Our collections
The National Poetry Library’s extensive collection covers the period 1912 to the present day. You can find all of the major poets of the 20th and 21st centuries along with a whole range of overlooked and emerging talents.
The library continues to collect all UK poetry books from major and independent press publishers. There are also a number of special collections which can be accessed, including audio, magazines, zines, press cuttings, images of poets, postcards and posters. There is a dedicated section for children’s books and also a section of resources for teachers.
How to find a book
Wherever possible we acquire two copies of each title, one for reference, which never leaves the library, the second for loan. Books are arranged alphabetically by author, with a separate section for anthologies.
Search the catagloue
Search magazines
Collection highlights
Discover some of our collection highlights below. We’re digitising them for the future so that they can be even more easily accessed.
Poetry Vinyl
Discover a treasure trove of records
Women Poets: Rare First Editions
Women Poets: Rare First Editions
Children's Poetry
Poetry books just for children (although we’re sure adults will enjoy them too!)
Beat and New York School Poetry
Explore works by countercultural poets who helped define a generation
Posters
Find out about our extensive poster collection, including Poems on the Underground
Postcards
Find out about our postcard and poem card collections
Audio poems
Find out what poetry we have for you to listen to
Press clippings
Discover our collection of over 200,000 press cuttings
Donate to the National Poetry Library
You can support our work and programme of free events for children and adults by making a donation. Every penny you give will go towards the National Poetry Library.
For your visit
Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre
The Royal Festival Hall is open daily.
Monday & Tuesday, 10am – 6pm*
Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
*If we’re hosting a performance, the building will stay open until the event ends.
Plan your visit
The Royal Festival Hall is home to our largest auditorium as well as The Clore Ballroom, National Poetry Library, Members’ Lounge, Festival Bar & Kitchen, Ballroom Cafe and Skylon restaurant.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our site.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
On Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace. You can grab a coffee and a slice of freshly made cake from our Ballroom Cafe. Or alternatively enjoy destination dining in the restaurant at Skylon.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.
