The London Library has banned members from distributing leaflets opposing its £5 million rooftop garden, café, and social hub development, triggering debate over internal discussion and governance. The rule, introduced in January 2026, prohibits posters, leaflets, and notices anywhere on library premises, limiting members’ ability to circulate dissenting views on costs, historic interiors, and consultation. The library said the measure is intended to maintain order and respect among members, as The WP Times reports, via thetimes.
Background: London Library and the development plan
Founded in 1841, the London Library in St James’s Square has roughly 7 500 members and a collection of one million volumes. The trustees approved a £5 million project to create a rooftop garden, café, and social hub. The development aims to:
- Modernize facilities and attract up to 800 new members
- Generate over £400 000 in annual subscription revenue
- Improve long-term sustainability amid declining membership
Funding is drawn from the library’s reserves, fundraising, and projected membership fees. Trustees say the project is “essential” for the library’s long-term viability.
Rule C16 and the leaflet ban
In January 2026, the library introduced Rule C16, which:
- Prohibits distribution of leaflets, posters, or notices anywhere on library premises
- Allows member notices only on official library noticeboards
- Is intended to maintain order, courtesy, and manage member spaces
Library officials said the rule reflects “recent feedback from members” and emphasized that views on redevelopment can still be shared through designated channels.
Member opposition
Opposition has come from former trustees, academics, and other members, raising concerns about:
- Potential damage to historic areas such as the Lightwell Reading Room
- Reduced reading space if café tables are counted as member areas
- Lack of transparency on costs and long-term financial impact
- Insufficient consultation with the wider membership
Reports indicate around 130 members have voiced informal opposition, while a previous survey of 147 members found 59 percent support for a café but did not include full budget details. Critics say the leaflet ban restricts debate and contradicts the library’s traditional role as a forum for intellectual exchange.
Governance and consultation
The London Library is governed by a board of trustees responsible for strategic decisions, including capital projects. Major projects are approved internally, without mandatory votes of the full membership. Surveys and informal consultations may guide decisions but are not legally binding. Critics argue that the current approach lacks transparency, particularly for multi-million-pound projects.
Structural overview: before and after Rule C16
| Aspect | Before | After Rule C16 |
|---|---|---|
| Leaflet/poster distribution | Allowed throughout library | Banned except on official noticeboards |
| Debate visibility | High among members | Restricted within premises |
| Consultation | Informal, survey-based | Limited to trustee-approved channels |
Reactions from members
Critics of the rooftop project describe the leaflet ban as unprecedented in a library setting. Former trustee Rick Stroud called it “outrageous,” while Professor Nicholas Pickwoad, a book conservator, highlighted concerns about historic spaces and cost transparency. Opponents requested a formal consultation or general meeting, but trustees have not confirmed such a process.
The case has drawn attention to broader sector concerns, although outright censorship of internal member communications in UK libraries remains rare. Most disputes relate to collection selection or temporary displays, rather than member-led debate.
Key facts and figures
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution | London Library, St James’s Square, London |
| Founded | 1841 |
| Members | Approx. 7 500 |
| Project | Rooftop garden, café, social hub |
| Estimated cost | £5 million |
| Rule change | January 2026, Rule C16 |
| Opposition | Former trustee, academics, members |
| Main concerns | Historic interiors, consultation, transparency |
Practical information for members
Members wishing to raise concerns should consult the London Library’s official governance documents at www.londonlibrary.co.uk. Formal queries can be submitted to the membership services office via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Postal address: 14 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LG
Trustee contact details and procedures for submitting motions at annual meetings are also published on the library’s site. For sector guidance on library ethics and member rights, CILIP provides professional frameworks.
Members must now use official channels for debate. Grassroots leaflet campaigns are no longer permitted within library premises. While the rooftop project aims to modernize facilities, increase revenue, and secure long-term sustainability, the dispute underscores tensions between governance control and member engagement in subscription-based cultural institutions.
Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life: What events happen in London February 2026 weekend guide