City of Westminster

Subject resources

While the libraries in Westminster have good general collections in all subjects, the books, online resources and staff are especially strong in a range of key subjects.

Each 'key subject' collection is held at a particular library, where the experienced staff will be pleased to help you with your research. Find out more about the collections by clicking on the links below, and visiting Books & the City.

You can find great websites on many subjects using the Westminster Libraries Gateway to Websites, including links to the 24/7 exclusive resources and in-house specials (online resources available only on library computers) we have made available for our members. Many of these enhance the key subject collections.

  • Art & design

    The Art and Design Collection is held at Westminster Reference Library and comprises literally thousands of books, mainly for reference but with a large lending collection too.

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  • Business Information Points

    Westminster Libraries' dedicated Business Information Points are designed to support existing and prospective businesses in and around Westminster.

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  • Chinese Library

    Based at Charing Cross Library, the library has over 50,000 Chinese adult and children's books, CDs, DVDs, Community Information and a national subscription service of Chinese books.

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  • Education & careers

    At Marylebone Information Service, you can find information about a range of educational opportunities - from nursery schools to adult education - as well as resources to help you plan your career and find a job.

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  • European Union

    Westminster Reference Library is a European Public Information Centre[EPIC]. For in-depth research or just finding out about living, working, studying or doing business in the EU, we can help.

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  • Health information

    If you're looking for information on general health care, conditions & treatment, alternative therapies, a support group, or the Health Service, Marylebone Information Service is the place for you.

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  • Language resources

    Want to learn a new language, or read a book in another language? We loan lots of language courses, and most of our lending libraries have collections of fiction in languages other than English too.

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  • Law

    Westminster Reference Library has the main reference collection of law resources in Westminster libraries. There are legal text books, law reports, legislation, journals and encyclopaedias.

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  • Music Library

    The largest public music library in the south of the UK, Westminster Music Library has more than 17,000 books for reference and loan, and over 30,000 music scores and performance parts.

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  • Performing arts

    Westminster Reference Library has a collection of some 15,000 books covering the performing arts. From ballet to broadcasting, magic to music hall, a wealth of information awaits you.

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  • Sherlock Holmes Collection

    A unique collection with stories, information about Conan Doyle, photographs, cuttings and journals. By appointment only, at Marylebone Information Service.

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  • UK Official Publications

    Westminster Reference Library holds this extensive collection, including legislation, statistics, reports and papers, some going back to the early part of the twentieth century.

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