Help

We’re gradually reopening our spaces and services to keep everyone safe.

Readers will need to pre-book desks and collection items. Find out more about returning to the Library to research here safely.

We’re reopening Reader Registration gradually to keep everyone safe in the space. Because of limited capacity, we’ll just be renewing expired passes and will not be able to issue new Reader passes for the moment. We’re working hard to increase capacity as quickly and as safely as possible so we’ll let you know as soon as this changes.

At first we will be renewing Readers who are currently unable to return to the Library, or whose Online Account extensions are near expiry. Find out more about renewing your Reader Pass.

We’re continuing to offer as many online services as we can so that the British Library remains open to everyone, wherever you are in the world.

Extend your online account

We’ve made some changes so Readers can extend their online account once their Reader pass has expired, to keep accessing our available e-resources and pre-order items to view in the Reading Rooms.

You can now extend your online account for six months by logging into your Online Account using your username and password.

Once you’ve logged in:

• Select My Services
• Under Reader Registration, choose Edit options
• Select Extend

If you need any assistance please contact our Customer Services team at customer-services@bl.uk.