Libraries in 1900 London

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Arthur H. Beavan, in Imperial London, published in 1901, covered the topic of libraries in London:

Close by the British Museum Reading Room in Museum Street is Mudie's, of world-wide fame as a Circulating Library, founded by Charles E. Mudie in 1840, in Upper King Street, Bloomsbury, whence it removed to its present position in 1852.

Mudie originated the system of distributing books throughout Great Britain to book-clubs, literary societies, and private families, and the system has enormously developed since that time, when he had only about 120,000 volumes in public circulation.

Next in importance to Mudie's is the Lending Library of Messrs W. H. Smith in Howard Street at the rear of the extensive block of buildings, No. 186, Strand, in which they carry on their large, and - so far as their vans are concerned in Arundel Street - obstructive business.

At No. 12, St. James' Square, is the popular London Library, established in Pall Mall, 1841, on the subscription system, and removed here in 1844.

It has an admirable collection of books, invaluable to literary men and authors, as the volumes may be kept at home longer than is allowed at most similar institutions.

All the various societies possess technical Libraries, and the Victoria and Albert Museum has a capital Art Library and Reading Room, also an Educational Room.

Next: Libraries in 1900 London: The British Museum Reading Room