Come and discover the Lit & Phil Library, Newcastle’s secret literary hideout in the heart of the city!
Did you know that there is a magnificent secret library in the heart of Newcastle?
The Lit & Phil is known as Newcastle-Upon-Tyne’s secret library; a literary hideout in the heart of the city. Despite the fact that it is the largest independent library outside of London, many people have no idea it exists.
Even a lot of Newcastle locals don’t know about this place. I was born and bred in Newcastle but didn’t visit this hidden gem library until a few years ago.
I don’t think anyone should be missing out on this fabulous and free thing to do in Newcastle, so here’s my guide to visiting Newcastle’s most historic and bookish spot: The Lit & Phil Independent Library.
The History of the Lit & Phil, Newcastle
The Lit & Phil society ( short for Literary and Philosophical Society) existed in spirit long before it had a library to call home. Beginning in the 1700s, the society organised meetings at different venues across the city for those eager to debate and discuss.
As the society grew, attracting more inventors, pioneers and visionaries; so did its collection of books and artefacts. The Lit & Phil needed a place to call home. It found one in 1825, in a handsome neo-classical building just a skip and jump from Newcastle’s Central Station: The Lit & Phil Library.
Why is The Lit & Phil Library Famous?
It’s a beautiful place to relax and explore, but when you visit you’ll also be walking in the footsteps of pioneers and inventors.
Local legend George Stephenson demonstrated his Miners Safety Lamp here and Joseph Swan lit a public room with electric light here for the very first time in 1881.
Over the years, the Lit & Phil has welcomed many literary figures including Oscar Wilde and E.M. Forster. More recent visitors have included Val McDermid and Michael Palin.
The Lit & Phil might be the largest independent library outside London and housed in gorgeous historic building but it’s not all about the history. The Lit & Phil Library is keeping up with the times.
It’s one of the top things to do in Newcastle, free to visit and offering a rich and varied programme of events as well as welcoming those who simply want to come and browse.
This lovely Newcastle library has even featured on TV show Vera!
Things to See & Do at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle
The Library Building: The Lit & Phil Library is an absolute beauty, worth popping in just to admire the architecture. The domed ceiling, ornate plasterwork and interior balconies are just perfection.
The Collection: If you love books, you’ll be in the right place. The Lit & Phil is home to 170,000 of them with everything 16th century tomes to modern fiction.
Not just books; the Lit & Phil has the largest collection of music in the North of England.
You’ll need to become a member to borrow books, but visitors are free to browse. There’s plenty of reading desks and comfy corners where you can curl up with a book for a while.
Take A Lit & Phil Tour: The ‘Behind the Books’ tours are led by an award-winning team of guides. The tours are free but pre-booking is recommended and a donation is appreciated. Suggested donation is £3.
Spot the Curiosities: The Lit & Phil is full of wonderful and intriguing things. Have a wander, see what catches your eye. Old maps here, a bit of vintage taxidermy there. Look out for Sybil the dog, she’s a bit of a Lit & Phil icon. Spot her keeping watch from up on the shelves
Attend a Course or Event: Concerts, classes, talks and readings…there’s always something going on, so it’s worth checking the listings to see if there’s anything you fancy when you visit.
Is the Lit & Phil, Newcastle Really Free to Visit?
Yes! The Lit & Phil Library is famous for an open door policy and warm Geordie welcome. Anyone is welcome to visit, you don’t need to book and entry is free.
Welcoming staff are on hand to answer any questions and show you round.
Although free to enjoy, the Lit & Phil is a registered charity and does depend on donations and visitor support to keep going. Please consider making a donation if you are able.
There is also a small gift range that you can shop in the library and online, with all proceeds being reinvested in the library.
Location and Opening Times for The Lit & Phil Library, Newcastle
Find the Lit & Phil just a few minutes walk from Newcastle Central Station at 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE.
The nearest Metro station is located within Central Station.
The library is open Mon-Sat from 09.30, closing times vary. Up to date timings can be found on the Lit & Phil website.
Looking for More Things to Do In Newcastle-Upon-Tyne?
- The Victoria Tunnel: Walk under the city streets and find out how the Victorian wagonway tunnel has played a part in Newcastle’s history, from the transportation of coal to use as an air raid shelter in WW2.
- Explore the Ouseburn: Once an industrial area, the Ouseburn has reinvented itself as one of Newcastle’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Browse the museums and galleries, stop for coffee, explore the heritage and maybe even pay a visit to the Ouseburn Urban Farm.
- The Great North Museum: A museum of natural history, archaeology, geology and world cultures. One of Newcastle’s oldest and best museums, which also happens to be free to visit.
Fancy a post Lit & Phil Library coffee with a twist? Book into the Dog & Scone dog cafe. Find my review here.
Helen x
How marvellous, I love books and visiting libraries and thus one is now firmly on my list for when ai get around to visiting Newcastle. Thank you fir bringing the Lit & Phil to my attention.
Thank you, it’s the sort of place that really does deserve a bit more publicity. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Well, I grew up in NE England too (including Newcastle between the ages of 11 and 16) and I’m a librarian, but I’d not heard of it either! It looks wonderful. I particularly empathised with the notice about leaving volumes on the table. Borrowers helpfully reshelving stock in the wrong place was always a problem!
It’s a lovely place, but it seems they don’t call it the secret library for nothing!
This seems a must- visit when we go to Newcastle again. If we can, post-Covid … So much has changed …
I hope so. We are just starting to venture out and about again and the biggest change seems to be the need to pre-book everything. It’s all a lot less care free, I look back in wonder at last year and how we all bustled around with so few limitations!
What an exquisite library! Thank you for sharing!
It really is a wonderful place, thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment 😊