Join the library
Join the National Poetry Library to gain access to the largest public collection of modern poetry in the world.
It is free to join the library. You can become an online member and download ebooks and audio books for free to the device of your choice.
Ways to borrow and access books
In addition to searching our online catalogue, you can visit in person, borrow eBooks and audiobooks.
How to join
Fill in this form and join the library for free. Membership gives you access to the library at the Royal Festival Hall, the EOS platform, ebooks, audio books and our click and collect service.
EBooks and Audiobooks
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks from The National Poetry Library. Request a membership PIN by email to access and borrow items online.
Click and collect service
Pre-pack your loan books from The National Poetry Library. Search the catalogue for items that are labelled ‘Available for Circulation’. Email your choices and membership number 48 hours ahead of collection.
Visiting in person?
The library is free to visit. PLEASE INCLUDE A SHORT SENTENCE ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO AT THE LIBRARY – IE THEY CAN ACCESS BOOKS ON SITE.
To borrow from the physical collections at Southbank Centre all you need to bring with you is:
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A photo ID such as a passport or driving licence
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A bill from the last 3 months with your name and address on it (a bank statement or a utility bill for example).
Blind and partially sighted users
The National Poetry Library has Braille and audio resources available for blind and partially sighted users. We also provide a free postal service of CDs to people with vision impairment throughout the UK.
Creative ways to explore poetry
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.
Projects & Exhibitions
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
National Poetry Library Southbank Centre
The National Poetry Library is open six days a week.
Tuesday, 12 noon – 6pm
Wednesday – Sunday, 12 noon – 8pm
Getting Here
The National Poetry Library is on Level 5 of our Royal Festival Hall.
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.
