The Lit & Phil Open: a new chapter is beginning

The Lit & Phil is starting an exciting new project.

With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Barbour Foundation, we’re planning a £4.8 million transformation that will protect what makes The Lit & Phil special and open it up to many more people.

More to discover. More ways to take part. A Lit & Phil open to everyone.

A place where ideas come alive

For more than 200 years, The Lit & Phil has brought people together to read, learn, listen, question and explore.

Free and open to all, we’re home to more than 200,000 books and an extensive music collection.

We host talks, concerts, workshops and performances, and create space for curiosity, creativity and learning.

Now, we’re making sure more people can experience everything The Lit & Phil has to offer – today and for generations to come.

What will change?

The Lit & Phil Open will make our historic building more welcoming, accessible and sustainable, while protecting its unique character.

Open and accessible

We want everyone to feel able to enter, explore and enjoy The Lit & Phil.

  • A lift and improved accessible facilities
  • Better access throughout the building
  • New event and lecture space
  • Dedicated exhibition space
  • More welcoming spaces in which to meet, learn and spend time

Protected for the future

We’re caring for the building and collections.

  • Improved storage for our books and collections
  • A dedicated bookbinding store
  • More sustainable heating and energy systems
  • Air-source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage
  • Essential improvements to the historic building

Opportunities to connect

We will create new ways for people to participate.

  • More opportunities to explore our music collection
  • New activities with schools, universities and community groups
  • More talks, workshops, performances and events
  • A new membership structure
  • A redesigned website and improved digital services

What will this mean for you?

Whether you come to browse the shelves, hear new ideas, enjoy live music, research a subject or simply spend time somewhere inspiring, The Lit & Phil Open will give you more ways to discover, enjoy and take part.

We’re not changing what makes The Lit & Phil special. We’re making sure more people can experience it.