UK Independent Libraries

Find the top Independent Libraries websites and businesses with reviews and ratings.

Find out about a fascinating part of Britain''s library history. Most of the libraries listed here were established as independent or subscription libraries, financed and maintained by their members. Many of these were founded by learned societies between 1768 and 1841; some of the most interesting were established by working men, such as the library created by the lead miners of Wanlockhead, Scotland.

Top Independent Libraries

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24 listings found
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Association of Independent Libraries

An association of independently funded subscription libraries and similar libraries of historic foundation. Offers a directory of members, news and events, publications, and links. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Gladstone's Library at St Deiniol's

Britain's only Prime Ministerial library, and the nation's tribute to his life and work; includes a guide to the collection of more than 250,000… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Innerpeffray Library

A visitor guide to the first public lending library in Scotland, now maintained by a charitable trust; includes a history, catalogue, and description of… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Portico Library and Gallery

Offers an overview of the history of this subscription library in Manchester, plus details of current events. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution

Organises programmes of talks and exhibitions on science, the arts and current affairs, and maintains a library and a museum with a number of… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Bishopsgate Institute Library and Archive

A library in a London centre for culture and learning, with important collections on London history, labour and socialist history, freethought and humanism, co-operation,… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Devon and Exeter Institution

Founded in 1813 by two hundred gentlemen of the county and city to promote science, literature and art; includes a guide to their library… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution

A centre for culture in Highgate, one of the oldest such institutions still in existence in London; includes a guide to their library and… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Linen Hall Library

Oldest library in Belfast founded in 1788, and the last subscribing library in Ireland. Has news, events, list of collections, online shop and membership… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Morrab Library

A 200 year old, independent library in Penzance, one of the biggest in Britain; information about their holdings and archives, opening times, and location. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Armitt Museum & Library

An independent library established in 1912 in Ambleside, that once had Beatrix Potter as a subscribing member; holds collections of local Cumbrian interest, and… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Athenaeum

A club first established in Liverpool in 1797; includes details of membership, with a description of their famous library and its collections, catering facilities,… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Birmingham and Midland Institute

Established for the "diffusion and advancement of science, literature and art" in Birmingham and the Midlands. Describes membership, library, and facilities, and includes a… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Guildford Institute

Founded as the Guildford Mechanics Institute; provides a guide to their collections and exhibitions, with a history and contacts. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Leeds Library

Founded in 1768 as a subscription library and now the oldest surviving example in the British Isles; describes their history, collections and facilities, with… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Literary & Philosophical Society (Lit & Phil)

The largest independent library outside London, founded in 1793. Information about their book and music holdings, services, children's library, events, membership, and history. Newcastle… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The London Library

A leading literary institution founded in 1841 by Thomas Carlyle; with a guide to their substantial collections, membership, news and events, and their quarterly… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Plymouth Athenaeum

An association of people interested in the study and promotion of the arts, literature, science and technology; includes their programme of activities, and details… Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Wiener Library for the Study of the Holocaust & Genocide

The world's oldest Holocaust memorial institution; includes a history, with a guide to their collections and access, research projects, and educational materials. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Unclaimed

Thoresby Society Library

The library and archive collection of the Thoresby Society, the historical society for Leeds and district; includes details of location, access, and membership. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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