Youth programme

Our Young People’s Programme embeds the voices of young people at all levels ofthe Library, bringing 18–30-year-olds together to explore the British Library’s collection, develop skills and share ideas. Through our Youth Collective, free programming, events, workshops and opportunities you can connect with other young people and discover new ways to get involved. Explore the different parts of the programme below.

Youth Collective

The Youth Collective is the British Library’s ongoing youth advisory and personal development programme, creating a pathway for young people to build a relationship with the Library, contribute their perspectives to its work and develop their confidence, networks and understanding of the cultural sector.

At its heart, the Collective is about youth voice, consultancy, belonging, access and meaningful participation.

You can now apply to join our next cohort! Applications are open from October 26th to November 15th 2026.

What you’ll be doing

• Co-create a shared project with its own budget in collaboration with fellow cohort members and the Library.
• Meet monthly to connect, develop skills and influence how the Library engages young people.
• Share your perspectives and advise teams across the Library.
• Build cultural sector knowledge and experience.

Who is the Youth Collective for?

The Youth Collective is for young people aged 18-24 who are curious about Arts & Heritage, creativity, and the role institutions such as the British Library can play in their lives.

The programme is available to young people who

• want to meet and collaborate with other creative young people
• want to contribute ideas and feedback to real projects
• would like to understand more about how cultural organisations work
• wish to develop knowledge and experience within the Cultural & Heritage sector
• are interested in learning more about youth voice and active participation
• want to discover opportunities and routes into the cultural and creative sectors
• wish to develop confidence in communicating ideas, contributing to discussions and working collaboratively
• hope to build meaningful connections with like-minded peers and become part of a supportive community

Sessions will take place monthly on the following dates:

• Saturday 28 November 2026 (10.00 – 15.30)
• Tuesday 15 December 2026 (17.30 – 20.00)
• Tuesday 12 January 2027 (17.30 – 20.00)
• Tuesday 9 February 2027 (17.30 – 20.00)
• Tuesday 9 March 2027 (17.30 – 20.00)
• Tuesday 20 April 2027 (17:30 – 20.00)
• Tuesday 18 May 2027 (17.30 – 20.00)
• Tuesday 15 June 2027 (17:30 – 20.00)
• Tuesday 13 July 2027 (17.30 – 20.00)

There may also be additional opportunities to take part in group social trips or ad-hoc paid freelance work. These will be discussed with the selected cohort as the programme develops, and any additional dates will be agreed in advance.

Participant support

Participants will receive:

• £50 per session attended
• refreshments during sessions
• free access to Library events, exhibitions and a 30% discount in our shops and cafe’s
• free and discounted entry to Museums and Galleries across the UK
• career guidance and support

Please note that the welcome day on Saturday 28 November is unpaid, however you will receive a £10 travel reimbursement.

If you have any questions around how to complete your application, please email us at YPP@bl.uk

Young Creators Lab

Explore our collection and turn your ideas into digital stories. Young Creators Lab is our free creative development programme bringing together 18–24-year-olds to develop creative and production skills, collaborate with other young people and make short-form content for the British Library’s social media channels.

Check back here on November 30th when applications will open for you to apply for the next cohort which will begin in January 2027.