Fulham Library is one of the largest public lending libraries in the capital. Housed within a magnificent piece of late nineteenth century architecture just off the Fulham Road, the facility is provided by the local authority as far more a place to read books. The centre regularly exhibits artwork from around the world and hosts guest speakers delivering lectures and papers on a range of issues from literature to music and food and drink. The library has an excellent collection of ancient manuscripts, music and maps as well as the standard collection of reading materials one would find in any public library.