Lit & Phil holds comedy fundraiser

The Lit & Phil, Newcastle’s independent library, is holding a fundraising event at The Stand on Monday.

Comic Matt Reed will compere the special show, which also features John Scott, George Zach, Nicola Mantalios-Lovett and Stephen Baines, to raise funds for the Tyneside library.

The Literary and Philosophical Society, popularly known as ‘The Lit & Phil’, is the largest independent library outside London, housing over 150,000 books.

Housed in a Grade II* listed building in Newcastle city centre, the subscription library was opened in 1825, with the Society itself founded in 1793 as a conversation club.

It has so far raised over £200,000 through their Development Appeal since it launched in February 2011, though organisers say that much more is needed to implement the plans for future survival.

Fundraiser Alma Devine, who has organised a variety of events to raise funds and awareness of the Lit & Phil, said: “The Lit & Phil has always had a thriving events programme; I’m now trying to think of events that will generate a higher income and attract new people to visit the library.

“The comedy event at The Stand is a perfect external event, as it’s quite a departure from our usual programme and therefore reaching new audiences.

“The Lit & Phil is such an important part of Newcastle and we look forward to a great night and a secure future.”

Tickets: £8.

Lit & Phil Comedy Night is at The Stand in Newcastle on Monday 30 September 2013. The show starts at 8:30pm. Tickets can be booked in advance by calling the Lit & Phil on 0191 232 0192, or online via The Stand’s website.