Shoe Lane Library

Barbican & Community Libraries are the public library service operated by the City of London, offering an array of items for loan as well as a variety of engaging events for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

Shoe Lane Library, where Dragon Café in the City is based, is one of the five libraries managed by the City of London Corporation and has built a great reputation for its engagement of City workers and residents through talks, play provision and events. Located within walking distance of St. Paul's Cathedral, Shoe Lane Library has earned its standing as the sanctuary in the heart of the City, providing a comfortable space for its users as well as a comprehensive offering of books, CDs, DVDs and maps. The children's section is especially popular, with a colourful corner of the library devoted to the City's youngest residents and visitors.

To join the library, sign up online or visit in person.

FAQs

  • Shoe Lane Library, Hill House, 1 Little New St, London EC4A 3JR

    For directions click here for the google maps location.

  • The nest Dragon Café in the city is on Wednesday 20th March.

    Find out more here

  • Anyone can sign up and use the library!

    Click here to sign up online

  • Barbican and Community Libraries are community spaces in the Square Mile, where people come to read, study, relax and socialise. Join as a member using the online form to receive your online library membership number for immediate access to eResources, and visit the libraries in-person to collect your card and borrow a wide range of items.

    Our host venue Shoe Lane Library is located near Fleet Street, and is open five days a week. For more information, please see their website.

Upcoming events at Shoe Lane Library

  • Friday 15th September

    From The Saxons to Mary Berry: A Visual History of the English Cookbook

    1pm - At Shoe Lane Library and Online

    Join Shoe Lane Library and Peter Ross, Guildhall Library, for this talk on the history of English recipe books.

  • Friday 22nd September

    Historical Discussion Group: Fake News! Orson Welles' War of the Worlds

    1pm - Online Only

    Join Shoe Lane Library staff to explore the impact, then and now, of one of the most famous radio broadcasts in history.

  • Friday 29th September

    The Ballad of Caroline Crachami with Charlotte Hopkins and LMA

    1pm - At Shoe Lane Library and Online

    Join Shoe Lane Library and Charlotte Hopkins, London Metropolitan Archives, for this talk on the life of Caroline Crachami.