The director's future ambition is to create a world class research library whose primary specialisation will be the civilisations of the eastern Mediterranean.

ECONOMIST: Runes among the ruins

For a touch of class try the Library Bar in the Lanesborough Hotel (1 Lanesborough Place, Belgravia).

CNN: London: Where to be seen

She has been told that her school is hopeless, but the other day after class she went to the public library and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this room.

NPR: Obama's Address To Congress

But the other day after class, she went to the public library and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this chamber.

CNN: Obama speech to Congress focuses on economy

At the request of the provost he taught a class in ancient Greek literature in translation, sympathizing with students who found Thucydides impenetrable: The Modern Library edition has one map of the entire Hellenic world, with 180 labels on it.

FORBES: Homemade Herodotus