This new, intriguing venture is the brainchild of arty party crew and film fanatics Amy Grimehouse. It's a series of immersive events that combine a book club with partying, mixing up lively, highbrow literary discussions with low-down filthy fun. The nights recreate the world of whatever book is being explored, through activities such as Q&A sessions, period-style costumes (and some non-period but still fantastic outfits), photobooths, dancing, singalongs and straight-up partying.
The Grimhouse crew explained to Time Out that Late Night Library Club does have a literary focus, but isn't just for bookworms: ‘We’re hoping there’ll be something for everyone. If you’re not really into parties, you can talk to people about the book and take part in a lively discussion. But if you’re not interested in that and you just want to get drunk, draw cocks and maybe have your picture taken in a photobooth, you can do that as well.’
Books covered include Sarah Walters' steamy historical novel ‘Tipping the Velvet’ at the launch, and Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' on October 10. These first two events will be at Sutton house, a National Trust-owned Tudor mansion in Hackney, with future LNLC parties (which may include works by Patricia Highsmith, Daphne Du Maurier, Bret Easton Ellis and Donna Tartt) to be held at venues to suit the mood of the book.
And although you don't need to have read the book beforehand, you'll get a lot more out of the nights if you have done. So get off Tinder or/and Grindr for a few minutes and pick up one of those book things that people used to do back in the old days.