British Library
We are the national library of the UK. Our shelves hold over 170 million items - a living collection that gets bigger every day.
Although our roots extend back centuries, we collect everything published today, tomorrow and decades into the future. We have millions of books, but also newspapers, maps, sound recordings, patents and stamps.
Our spaces are open for study, a place to meet friends, to start up a new business or to get inspired by visiting our galleries and events.
In October 2023, the British Library experienced a significant cyber-attack that disrupted many of our services. Our buildings are open as usual, and we are working to restore full functionality. This is a temporary website, with limited content outlining the services that are currently available, as well as what's on at the Library.
I want to...
Consult the collection
Search our online catalogue to find our printed collections and some freely available online resources, but not everything is available.
Use the Library
Our Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire are open and you can access our printed collection, but access to our online resources is limited.
Visit our buildings
Our buildings in London and Yorkshire are open as usual. Find our opening hours, facilities and access information.
Attend an event
Discover what's on at the Library. We have five-star exhibitions, events and courses, family activities, free galleries and tours.
Find schools information
Explore our free workshops and activities for schools, available in London, Leeds and online.
Get business support
Start-up, protect or grow your business. Our centres across the UK offer expert advice for all stages of your business journey.
Support our work
As a charity, we work to preserve and share our collection of over 170 million items, which grows every day.
Treasures closures
21 May 2025 - The Treasures Gallery will be closed between 18 August and 27 September 2025. This is so we can make some changes to our climate control system which will reduce our power consumption whilst maintaining the highest environmental standards in our galleries for the items on display. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Item request form maintenance - Sunday 4 May
30 April 2025 - Due to planned maintenance our collection item request form will be unavailable between 10.00 and 12.00 on Sunday 4 May. The form will be restored as soon as possible, and we're sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Reader Registration reopens
9 April 2025 - Our Reader Registration office has now reopened and we're able to process new and renewed passes. We are experiencing high demand so there may be a wait for your pass. Thank you for your patience.
Contact us
Email customer@bl.uk or use our online chat (Monday – Friday, 09.30 – 16.00).