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a free shrine to the movies

BFI Reuben Library

FreeHidden gem
South Bank · Waterloo
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A free film and television library at BFI Southbank, open to all, where you can browse decades of books, scripts and magazines about cinema with the river just outside.

Getting there. Inside BFI Southbank under Waterloo Bridge, a few minutes from Waterloo or Embankment over the footbridge.
Free library
ALWAYS
FREE
South Bank · Waterloo
LONDON FREE GUIDE

The lowdown

Film fans have a free home on the South Bank, and most people walk straight past it. The BFI Reuben Library sits inside BFI Southbank and is open to anyone, no membership needed, holding one of the largest collections of books, scripts, magazines and press cuttings on film and television in the country.

You can browse the open shelves, settle in to read about your favourite director or genre, and the staff can pull rarer items from the stores. It is calm, comfortable and free, with the constant hum of the cinemas and the riverside cafe just outside the door.

Right next to it is the BFI Mediatheque, where you can watch thousands of films and TV programmes from the national archive for free at your own private screen. Together they make a brilliant free afternoon for anyone who loves the movies.

Locals only

The insider tip

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Pair the library with the free BFI Mediatheque next door, where you can sit at a screen and watch archive films and TV for nothing. Both are open to all, no BFI membership or ticket required.
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