General Info leaflet

How to join and support the Library There are a number of ways to help the Library – both practical and financial.

Join

• Free copies of Theory & Struggle

You can join individually for £20 per year (£10 concessions, £25 overseas).

• Guided tours

Membership entitles you to:

Volunteer

• Use the Library’s research and lending facilities • Attend classes, lectures and events • Vote in the annual general meeting • Stand for election to the management committee • Receive a free copy of Theory & Struggle Affiliate Trade unions, political and community organisations can affiliate (rates available on request), which brings with it a number of opportunities: • Priority hall hire in a central London venue with excellent public transport access • Bespoke trade union education courses on the socialist roots of our labour movement

• Accessible research facilities for trade union members

The MML encourages volunteers to play an active role in the life of the Library, working with full time staff and the public. Get in touch to find out more.

Donate The MML is a charity and is reliant on individual membership, affiliation and donations. Every penny of subscriptions and affiliations goes to support the work of the Library. The MML has a Library & Archive Development Fund, some of which is allocated for the purchase of new books. Donations are most welcome and can be made online at http://marx-memorial-library.org.uk/ index.php/gift-aid

Marx Memorial Library & Workers’ School

The Marx Memorial Library & Workers’ School The Marx Memorial Library & Workers’ School (MML) was founded in 1933 with the aim of advancing education, knowledge and learning in all aspects of the science of Marxism, the history of socialism and the working class movement. At the heart of the British labour movement for over 80 years, the Library is home to a unique collection of published and archival sources on related subjects, including trade unionism, peace and solidarity movements and the Spanish Civil War. The Library’s education programme – online and on-site – examines subjects ranging from Marxist political economy to socialist art.

The MML was founded by a group of socialists, trade unionists and communists to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Karl Marx and in response to Hitler’s book burning. It had previously served as the print house of the Twentieth Century Press, frequented by William Morris and Eleanor Marx. The building is home to the office used

by Lenin where he edited Iskra in 1902-3.

Collections

Publications and merchandise

The Library holds over 48,000 books, pamphlets and periodicals, in addition to the following core collections: • The Spanish Collection, including the International Brigade Association archive • The archives of various trade unions, most notably the print unions • The archives of activists and revolutionaries such as Wal Hannington, James Connolly and Helen Crawfurd • A complete run of the Daily Worker/ Morning Star • The James Klugmann Library • The Bernal Peace Library • A unique collection of over 2,000 posters • Artefacts including two International Brigade banners

The MML publishes occasional papers and a regular peer-reviewed journal Theory & Struggle.

Education Education has always been central to the Library’s objectives. The MML organises a series of classes on subjects ranging from political economy and philosophy to socialist culture and the history of the working class movement, in addition to one-off commemorative events, panel discussions and special guest lectures. Online education courses are available through the Library’s website. The MML also welcomes school and student visits.

The journal, special publications and a range of MML products, including posters, badges and mugs, can be purchased at the Library and online.

Visiting Marx House The MML is open to researchers 12-4pm Monday-Thursday; appointments recommended.

Guided tours of the Library are given each Tuesday and Thursday at 1pm (£5/3unwaged).

This is an exciting opportunity to explore the historic building and view some of the unqiue collections.

The Library’s main hall can be hired for meetings, seminars, lectures and classes.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Farringdon station, it is conveniently situated in the heart of Clerkenwell. The hall, adorned with banners and busts from the working class movement, has a capacity for up to 65 people and can be configured to accommodate a range of different functions.