The J.D. Bernal Library was an educational trust established with the full support of Bernal, and inspired by his work. It opened in London in March 1968 as a centre for peace research. Its aim was set out in a publicity leaflet (MS. Eng. c. 5677/3), 'by the dissemination and exchange of information and through prepared discussion, to make a contribution to solving the problems of peace confronting us.'

Hodgkin was a sponsor of the Library and, in 1971, was elected to the Chair of the Library Board.