The Poetry Library

The most comprehensive and accessible collection of poetry from 1912 in Britain. It is the major library for modern and contemporary poetry funded by the Arts Council England. Poetry is available in many formats: books, pamphlets, audio cassette, CD, video and DVD for reference and loan; magazines, press cuttings, photographs, posters and postcards for reference. See our links pages for our pick of web-based poetry. The Poetry Library is the home of poetrymagazines.org.uk, an ever-growing full-text database for UK poetry magazines of the 20th and 21st centuries. There are comprehensive education and children's sections. The Poetry Library promotes the reading of poetry for people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds in collaboration with Learning and Participation

The most comprehensive and accessible collection of poetry from 1914 in Britain, The Poetry Library within the Southbank Centre contains 90,000 items and is still growing. The Arts Council collection consists mostly of poetry from the UK and Ireland, a large selection from English-speaking countries worldwide, poetry in translation, poetry by and for children but also rap and concrete poetry. Audio and video facilities are available in addition to a large variety of magazines, press cuttings and downloadable poems in MP3 format. Finding a volume of poetry and tucking yourself away in The Poetry Library on Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall overlooking the Thames is one of London's most enjoyable means of escapism.

The library contains 100,000 items and is growing all the time. We acquire two copies of each book and audio title, one for reference and one for loan. We aim to stock all poetry titles published in the UK with a representation of work from other countries including work in parallel text and English translation. An exhibition space featuring works by artists engaging with the Library's collection, text and poetry in general, and projects and events at Southbank Centre.


VISITORS INFORMATION:


There is currently a large and thriving series of poetry groups and events and courses on offer in the U.K.. Such events generally fall into the following categories:

Poetry Writing groups, events and courses are aimed at writers wishing to share their work with a group, listen to the work of other writers and to develop their work, often under the guidance of a tutor. Poetry Appreciation groups, events and courses are aimed at those wishing to learn about, read and discuss the work of dead and living poets with those who share a similar passion for poetry. Poetry Readings present the opportunity to hear poets read from their work. There are also 'open mike' events, in which people can bring along their own work and read from it. Southbank Centre Events - literature events held at Southbank Centre, the home of the Poetry Library.

Opening Hours
    Tuesday - Sunday, 11am - 8pm
    The Library is closed to the public on Mondays
   
Membership and Lending

The Poetry Library is free to join for all members of the public on display of current ID with proof of address e.g bank statement, utility bill, driving licence etc
The Poetry Library is part of the national inter-lending service, so the loan collection is available via the public library network
There is a postal loan service for Visually Impaired members
Other members may return loan items in the post
Information Service

The Poetry Library can help you with all aspects of information on modern and contemporary poetry

Travel:
 
Railway Stations
    Waterloo East Railway Station (6 minutes)
    Waterloo Railway Station (6 minutes)
Underground Stations
    Waterloo Tube (6 minutes)
    Lambeth North Tube (12 minutes)
Car Parks
     Coin Street NCP (7 minutes)
    Library Street NCP (16 minutes)