The Barbican Library

The Barbican Library is public and free: membership is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in the City of London, as well as regular visitors to the Barbican. 

Though it is situated in the heart of the Barbican, the Library is managed separately to the arts centre. 

This means that the Library's design has changed at a different pace to the rest of the Centre. It has therefore become a time capsule for people interested in the original look of the building.

Much of the original Ken Briggs signage is visible, including this 'Library' pictogram.

In addition to books, CDs, magazines and DVDs, the Library has dedicated Children's and Music sections.

The Music Library also has an exhibition space which hosts displays about music of many different genres, from the orchestral conductor Simon Rattle, to the folk of Peggy Seeger and the electronic pioneers Tangerine Dream.

The Library is open to the rest of the Barbican Centre, which can create some interesting effects. One librarian remembers working while there was a Star Wars exhibition on in the Centre, meaning months of looped theme music for staff and readers.

There's a story of a ghost called 'The Voice' in the Library. She's perfectly friendly, though: she just says 'Hello!' and disappears.