You will spend a great deal of time during your study at LSE reading. Your coursework would entail poring over extensive reading material and taking reams of notes. When you’re not reading for class, you might find some downtime to indulge your pleasure in leisure reading. If you’re one of those (nerds) who likes to read for pleasure, you will be spoiled for choice in London. Over the past few months, I wandered into some of the most pleasant and inspiring reading spaces in the city. And in what follows I shall give my impressions of some of those. 

The British Library of Political and Economic Science

This is the first and most obvious choice for any LSE student. The verbose title is actually the official name for the LSE library. Many pupils find it a convenient space to study, watch lectures and attend video-conferences. It is incredibly well-stocked and contains all the books you would need for your coursework. In addition to course-related volumes, the library boasts of a broad collection ranging across disciplines and in various languages, where you can immerse yourself in a bout of exploration. I still face great difficulty trying to resist the temptation to saunter gaily along the shelves and flip through the pages of every other book, forgetting that I have to read for class. 

Senate House Library 

The Senate House Library is a short walk away from LSE and offers a quiet and salubrious atmosphere to study and work. It is the official affiliate of the University of London and overlooks the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). You will get delightful views of SOAS from the windows of this library. It is also usually very quiet and is the go-to option for those of you who thrive in silence. You get free membership if you are a student of any college in the University of London and thus gain access to their fine collection of books on various subjects and languages. 

The British Library 

The British Library is much more than a library. It’s a cultural epicentre. Located near Kings Cross station, the area is vibrant and aflutter around the clock. The library itself is perpetually busy, with a great many events being organised every so often. Its marvellous architecture would surely startle you and provide a regal setting to conquer your readings. Membership to this library with a bountiful collection is free for students. But you’re not allowed to take your books home with you as it is not a lending library. I assure you, though, that there will not be a better place to read than the British Library’s solemn and stimulating reading rooms. 

Canada Water Library

This is one of many libraries you can find in the Borough of Southwark. It has a charming collection of fiction and non-fiction and is also generally a nice place to work. If you’re looking to spend a weekend in a relatively modest fashion, the public library close to your neighbourhood is always a good option. 

The city of London is brimming with libraries, book shops and other reading spaces. I have merely discussed some of the most convenient and student-friendly options to LSE pupils. I hope this serves as a starting point for your foray into other spaces in the city where you can unblushingly bury your nose into books. Happy reading!