The Literary and Philosophical Society is a historical library in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is popularly known as the Lit & Phil.

Founded in 1793 as a “conversation club” by the Reverend William Turner and others – more than fifty years before the London Library. Its members debated a wide range of issues, although religion and politics were prohibited. In 1804 women were first admitted to the library.

Its the largest independent library outside London and books are available for both lending and as a free reference library.

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