Big London Library Log in

London's shared bookshelf

Discover books, meet people

Discover books to borrow or keep, and meet other readers across the city!

Fresh on London shelves

The newest books being shared across the city.

The people behind the books

Readers with shelves you might like

FL

Florence

Clerkenwell

Romance and ideas & society are the heart of my shelf. Originally from São Paulo, I have lived in London for four years. I work in public policy and read fiction to escape into someone else’s point of view. I love long runs, tiny cinemas, and finding a good pub for a post-chapter debate.

Cover of One DayCover of Book LoversCover of Invisible Women

Explore their shelf

SO

Sol

Covent Garden

Ideas & society and literary fiction are the heart of my shelf. Originally from Cardiff, I have made a home in London over the last decade. I work in music and tend to pair every book with a carefully chosen soundtrack. When I am not reading, I play five-a-side football and hunt down the best bakeries.

Cover of Thinking, Fast and SlowCover of The Dawn of EverythingCover of Normal People

Explore their shelf

JA

Jamie

Clerkenwell

Literary fiction and science fiction are the heart of my shelf. Originally from Lisbon, I have called London home for five years. I work as a software engineer and collect essays about how people live. When I am not reading, I run along the canal with my rescue dog.

Cover of Normal PeopleCover of The Remains of the DayCover of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Explore their shelf

EM

Emilia

Bloomsbury

Crime & mystery and crime & mystery are the heart of my shelf. Born in Mumbai, I have been based in London for seven years. I work in product design and love books that make me notice the world differently. I spend my free time swimming, sketching, and planning my next train trip.

Cover of In Cold BloodCover of The Thursday Murder ClubCover of The Fifth Season

Explore their shelf

MA

Maria

W2

A London reader with a shelf full of Fantasy.

Cover of The Winglets Quartet (the First Four Stories)Cover of Bliss Club Sex Tips for Creative LoversCover of Footloose

Explore their shelf

GI

Gia

Borough

Classics and history are the heart of my shelf. I grew up in Lagos and moved to London eight years ago. I am a documentary producer with a soft spot for big ideas and complicated characters. Outside reading, I volunteer at an animal shelter and play board games competitively.

Cover of Pride and PrejudiceCover of Mrs DallowayCover of SPQR

Explore their shelf

GA

Gabriel

Whitechapel

Literary fiction and science fiction are the heart of my shelf. Originally from Lisbon, I have called London home for five years. I work as a software engineer and collect essays about how people live. When I am not reading, I run along the canal with my rescue dog.

Cover of Normal PeopleCover of The Remains of the DayCover of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Explore their shelf

RA

Raya

Bloomsbury

Science fiction and romance are the heart of my shelf. Originally from Glasgow, I came south for work and stayed for the bookshops. I work as an architect and am always looking for beautifully observed places. Away from my shelf, I look after too many houseplants and practise pottery.

Cover of ArielCover of Klara and the SunCover of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Explore their shelf

ZA

Zara

Covent Garden

Romance and ideas & society are the heart of my shelf. Originally from São Paulo, I have lived in London for four years. I work in public policy and read fiction to escape into someone else’s point of view. I love long runs, tiny cinemas, and finding a good pub for a post-chapter debate.

Cover of One DayCover of Book LoversCover of Invisible Women

Explore their shelf

VI

Viola

Westminster

Fantasy and classics are the heart of my shelf. I am from Warsaw and have lived in London for three years. I am a freelance journalist who is happiest asking people about the books they love. Outside books, I climb, make too much coffee, and explore new neighbourhood walks.

Cover of The Night CircusCover of CirceCover of The Great Gatsby

Explore their shelf

Literary fiction

Stories worth talking about long after the last page.

Ideas & society

History, politics, philosophy and the world we share.

Crime & mystery

Twisty plots, dark streets and cases to solve.

Memoir & life stories

Remarkable lives, candid voices and new perspectives.

Make these shelves yours

Add the books you love to get recommendations shaped by your taste.

Join the library