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Marx Memorial Library

The Marx Memorial Library is the place for books, pamphlets and periodicals on all aspects of Marxism, the science of Socialism and history of working-class movements. It is open to non-members Monday - Thursday between 1 - 2pm.



As well as housing a library it contains a room where Lenin worked when he was in London, now decorated with busts of the revolutionary, as well as original furniture. There is also a recently restored mural showing the working classes casting off their chains surrounded by Marx, Lenin and William Morris amongst others.

Search the main collections of the Marx Memorial Library

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 painting shows head of man
Courtesy of the Marx Memorial Library


Eastern Europe: Russian | North, West & Southern Europe: Spanish

Eastern Europe: Russian


painting shows Lenin surrounded by workers

Lenin in the Marx Memorial Library mural.

Whilst in London, Lenin worked in a small room in what is now the Marx Memorial Library. The room is now kept open as a memorial to him: it contains busts of Lenin and original furniture.

The Marx Memorial Library also contains hundreds of papers relating to Lenin and the Russian communist movement. You can search for details in their online catalogue.

An essay on Lenin's stay in London

Search the Marx Memorial Library online catalogue

North, West & Southern Europe: Spanish


photo shows red banner with fist in centre

A banner of the International Brigade. Courtesy of the Marx Memorial Library.

The Marx Memorial Library arguably holds the most comprehensive collection in the world on the Spanish Civil War (1936-39).

It includes reports from the front lines, pioneering medical treatments, the Aid Spain movement, personal memoirs and the roll of honour, and photographs. You can search for full details of the holdings in the library's online catalogue.


Search the Marx Memorial Library catalogue


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