The London Library

I have just become a member of THE LONDON LIBRARY which is a total gem in all of London town. It’s a private library that is housed in a series of beautiful buildings in in an extremely well-heeled square in St James, central London. It’s a beauty of architecture: the new glas and steel extension sits cheek-by-jowl next to the old stone masonry and ancient floors of open stacks. Apparently it’s where Tom Stoppard writes all his plays. (I even got a nice Welcome letter from Sir Tom himself, who is Chair of the board.) Fifteen years ago my friend Natalie spoke glowingly about the place but I never had the wherewithal to join. I’m so happy to now be a member: it' has every book one could possibly want in the most quiet, warm, cosy surroundings. I might live here.

A serene literary pool - The London Library

Better than any univesity library the world over - and my office.