THE Marx Memorial Library & Workers’ School will receive half a million pounds to transform access to radical history at its Clerkenwell site.

The funding comprises a £249,713 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, £200,000 pledged by Islington Council and £25,250 raised from individual supporters.

It launches the Opening Doors: Transforming Access to Radical Heritage project, a 24-month initiative beginning in January and culminating in a public relaunch in May 2028, marking the library’s 95th anniversary.

Collections span centuries of radical history, including material on demonstrations at Clerkenwell Green, anti-fascist campaigns, housing struggles and items dating back to the 1640s.

The library will also introduce an accessible ramp, a new walk-in exhibition space and a relaunched website.

MML director Meirian Jump said: “This is … a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see our unique historic site, with its internationally significant collections, transformed into a truly accessible resource for the local community, the labour movement and the public at large.

“The opportunity to open our doors, share these extraordinary collections and connect radical histories and ideas with the questions people are asking today has been a longstanding goal of ours and we are thrilled that it is being realised.”