London’s Library History

Twenty-first century London contains some of the finest book collections in the world, but what about the libraries that haven’t survived? If you know where to look, the Capital’s streets and alleyways are crammed with the ghosts of fascinating libraries past.

This illustrated talk by Alice Ford-Smith (Bernard Quaritch) will carry you back through time, to London's long-forgotten libraries, readers, librarians and collectors. Treasures will be found, bookplates added, shelves filled, catalogues compiled, discoveries made, cheques cashed, books dispersed and collections saved.