National Poetry Library

The National Poetry Library is a national collection of more than 200,000 items located at London's South Bank. It holds books, magazines, and recordings of contemporary poetry from Britain and around the world.

The library was founded in 1953 with T.S. Eliot and Herbert Read leading the opening, following a recommendation from the Arts Council's Poetry Panel. It has grown into Britain's largest repository of poetry publications dating back to 1912.

The collection shows how contemporary poetry is created across different countries through works from independent publishers and critical texts. A dedicated children's section here reflects how literary education adapts to different ages and reading levels.

The library sits on the fifth floor of Royal Festival Hall and offers free membership to visitors. You can borrow materials and access digital content at no cost.

The collection includes rare editions and recordings of poets reading their work, expanding the experience of poetry beyond written words alone. These recordings let visitors hear how famous poets performed their own verses.

Location: London Borough of Lambeth

Inception: 1953

Website: http://poetrylibrary.org.uk/about

GPS coordinates: 51.50571,-0.11676

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08