Important Information about the British Library during the Olympics

23/07/12

Visiting the Library during the Olympics

With many extra visitors in London for the Olympics, delays to public transport are to be expected between 26 July and 12 August 2012. The St Pancras building will be open from 10.00 on Monday – Saturday and 11.00 on Sunday during this period.

Bag searching

It may be necessary to introduce 100% bag searching during the Olympic period if we’re advised to do so by the Metropolitan Police or the security ‘threat’ level for Government buildings is raised. This may result in it taking longer for visitors to enter the building.

Useful information about using the Reading Rooms

Useful information for visitors to the Library’s Reading Rooms during the Olympic Games covering:

Applying for, or renewing, your Reader Pass
Our opening hours and possible disruption to services
Ordering collection items in advance and checking availability before travelling
Temporary restrictions to our public WiFi service and Reading Room PCs
Information for international visitors
How to get the latest travel or Library service information
Asking questions via Twitter or our Reference Team service
Resources which are available without visiting the Library

can be found at the Information Desk.

Olympic Torch Relay – travel delays likely on Thursday 26 July

The Olympic Torch Relay is due to pass through St Pancras station around 07.35 on Thursday 26 July where it will then be the focal point of an event in the station until 09.45. Travel delays may occur and you may wish to plan an alternative travel route to the British Library.

Please see the BBC’s Torch Relay website to find out more.

WiFi access during the Olympic Games

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games the Library will be restricting access, via our WiFi service, to websites streaming Olympic events. This should ensure that the WiFi Service remains viable for Readers in our Reading Rooms who are undertaking research. Find out more

Emergency procedures

We have updated our emergency procedures. Please read our guidelines to remind yourself of what to do in an emergency.

General security in the St Pancras area

The Metropolitan Police have told us to expect an increase in petty crime with pick pockets and criminal gangs operating in the St Pancras area.

Please take care of your personal belongings, do not leave bags or laptops unattended and report anything suspicious to one of the British Library’s uniformed security officers.

Personal preparedness during the Olympic Games

Because of the heightened risk of disruption during the Olympic Games it may be wise to have a personal plan in place.

You may wish to plan an alternative method for getting home. Keeping some money on your person at all times and arranging to leave a spare set of keys with a friend or neighbour could be useful if you are evacuated from the Library without your belongings.

If you have children or dependents that rely on you to be home by a certain time, consider making contingency plans in case of travel delays. Also, make sure you know how to contact family and friends if mobile networks are unavailable.

Travel information

For the latest information on public transport and to plan your journey, visit: