About The London Library
“The desire to know more, the desire to feel more, and, accompanying these but not strangling them, the desire to help others: here, briefly, is the human aim, and the Library exists to further it.” E M Forster
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ounded in 1841, The London Library is one of the world’s great lending libraries. A unique literary oasis in the heart of London, it houses an extraordinary collection of one million books and periodicals dating from 1700 to the present day, nearly all of which can be borrowed. Members can browse seventeen miles of atmospheric bookstacks, read and write in hidden corners or in beautiful reading rooms, attend our vibrant events programme or work remotely using the extensive online resources. From the outset, the Library has been a place of inspiration and support to writers, readers and scholars of all kinds. From Charles Dickens to Sarah Waters, Angela Carter to T S Eliot, Virginia Woolf to Kazuo Ishiguro, our building in St James’s Square has provided a home and a creative community for anyone who loves the written word. E M Forster’s quote perfectly describes the spirit that embodies The London Library Emerging Writers Programme, designed to offer support and resources to those beginning their own journey towards a writing career. We are so proud to be publishing this anthology of exceptional work from the second Programme cohort who, even through a difficult year, brought commitment, creativity and talent, enriching our community and writing themselves into our story. Philip Marshall Director, The London Library
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