The Newcastle Lit & Phil, the largst independent library outside London, was founded in 1793 and has been in the same building since 1825. It is a grand but very welcoming place, just three minutes' walk from the main station, and is still very much a part of Newcastle cultural life, with a full programme of talks, concerts, readings, and book launches. Amazingly, it is free to all, although members enjoy special privileges. If ever your train is delayed, this is the place to wait.