Westminster City Council unveils specialist arts library in the West End

The West End Arts Library officially opened on 22 October, offering a unique collection of resources in art and design, performing arts, and music, and a new destination within the city’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape.

Nestled between Leicester Square and the National Gallery, the library is located in a stunning Grade II listed building that was once the home of Isaac Newton.

The library is the only specialist arts public library in the West End and now hosts Westminster’s Music Library, a treasure trove for music lovers, offering extensive loan collections of books, scores, performance parts, and sheet music.

In the wider library, visitors will find curated collections in art and design, music, and performing arts, which provide valuable resources to actors, musicians, interior designers, town planners, students and anyone passionate about these disciplines.

To mark its opening, the library is presenting a special exhibition from the Professional Cartoonists’ Organisation and an interactive workshop on Afrobeats/Ndombolo organised by CheriCoco. Library staff will be on hand to showcase some of the unique resources held by the library.

There will be an exciting programme of events and exhibitions year-round, including free classical music concerts every week. The multi-purpose exhibition space in the library will also be a platform for innovative exhibitions and events.

Cllr Ryan Jude, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality, said:

“The West Ends Arts Library is a wonderful addition to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of the West End. Whether you are looking for rare resources or attending one of the free classical music concerts, there is something for everyone to discover in this library. 

“By creating welcoming public spaces and providing free events, the council is committed to improving access to culture for our residents so that everyone can share in the rich cultural heritage of the city.

“I’m grateful to all our cultural partners across the city – including those who joined us to celebrate the launch – for their crucial support in furthering this mission. I am excited to see how our collaboration will continue to strengthen Westminster’s creative community.

“The reopening of the library is a powerful first step in that direction and I look forward to seeing it grow into a cultural landmark in the heart of the West End.”

Emma De Souza, Executive Director (Audiences & Commercial) at Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, said:

“We’re delighted to support Westminster City Council in the relaunch of the West End Arts Library – a vibrant hub for creativity and learning in the heart of London’s theatre district.

“As proud neighbours of the library at our Official London Theatre Ticket Booth in Leicester Square, and partners with the Council on West End LIVE, we share a commitment to celebrating and sustaining the West End’s rich culture.”

The library’s extensive catalogue is available online for anyone to search and reserve items. Drop-ins are always welcomed, and staff will be happy to assist. 

More information on upcoming events and services can be found here.