highgate literary and scientific institution
founded 1839
Annual Membership Rates: Individual £120; Household (2 adults and children under 18 at same address) £200; Student (Full-time students under the age of 26) £40
Join online at https://members.hlsi.net/Join
Over 900 members
Background
We continue to be central to Highgate's varied cultural life since we were established in 1839. One of the oldest such institutions still in existence in London, we are situated in the heart of Highgate Village, overlooking Pond Square, in the building to which we moved in 1840.
We offer an array of cultural activities for members and the public including:
Film, science, and opera groups
Regular lectures
Art exhibitions
Courses for adults on languages, creative writing, history and more
Our library is used for borrowing, research and browsing and includes a well-stocked children's section. Our archive focuses on local history in Highgate and surrounding areas.
Building
Our building is Grade II listed and sits in the centre of the village. Part of our current home pre-dates the HLSI's foundation.
Collection
We hold over 25,000 books, which are constantly added to. We have a strong emphasis on biography, literature, history, and general fiction, and also have a very popular crime fiction section.
Our Coleridge Room holds our special collections on London in general and on Highgate, Hampstead and Islington in particular. We also major on eminent local authors Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Betjeman.
Contact Information
Lucy Matherson, Librarian
11 South Grove, Highgate Village, London N6 6BS
tel: 020 8340 3343 / email: librarian@hlsi.net
Open Monday-Friday 10.00-16.30; Saturday 10.00-16.00
Visitors
Visitors may use the library and special collections on a reference basis, by appointment, and our archives group welcomes enquiries. We are always happy to show guests around.
Website
www.hlsi.net
Status
Registered Friendly Society no 51SA with full charitable status.