The comfortably-furnished Library provides Friends of Pushkin House with is a haven where they can escape the bustle of the London streets and relax in a cocoon of Russian culture.

Ranged along its book-lined walls you will find, for example: multi-volume sets of the classics of Russian literature; copiously illustrated histories of Russian art and architecture; albums of the collections of the major Russian museums and galleries (not just in Moscow and St Petersburg but also some gems from the provinces); illustrated catalogues of the greatest painters; works on Russian theatre, ballet, film, photography, icons, churches, music and musicians, folk arts; books on the history and culture of early Rus, of imperial Russia, of the Soviet Union; travel books; books on Russian thought; an array of reference works including a complete set – in over 80 volumes – of the famous Brockhaus-Efron encyclopedia.

In short: there is plenty here to enjoy, whether or not you read Russian, whether you want to discover new areas of Russian culture, or to refresh your memory of old favourites, or to check some irritatingly elusive fact, or to resolve an argument, or simply to browse and admire the pictures.

The Library also stocks Russian-language newspapers, as well as brochures and leaflets about Russian culture-related events and organisations.

The Library’s core holdings derive from the historic collection of the Pushkin Club, supplemented by acquisitions and generous donations from many organisations and individuals.

Friends of Pushkin House are welcome to use the Library during the House’s normal working hours.

*Please note that this is a reference library only. Books may not be borrowed.