All audiences

The British Library is open to everyone and free to use. We offer services for researchers, businesses, schools and teachers, families and more. Discover what the Library can offer you.

Everything for...

A woman sits, looking serious and wearing in-ear headphones, at a laptop, in the public study spaces of the British Library in London.

Research

How to use the British Library for your personal or professional research. Our collections, study spaces and services are open to everyone.

Business

Get help to start and grow your business with our Business & IP Centre. We offer free events, workshops, IP information, and market research.

A group of school children stand with their hands raised at a school event at the British Library.

Schools

Looking for inspiring and educational activities for your primary or secondary school? Join us for workshops, tours and events in London, Leeds, and online.

Children and families stretch at a learning event at the British Library.

Family

Join us for family fun! From creative family festivals to artist-led workshops, regular sessions for under-5s, drop-in activities and relaxed openings.

Looking for something else?

Authors

Published authors, illustrators, editors, translators or audiobook narrators could could receive up to £6,600 per year from public library loans.

Publishers

If you publish anything in the UK and Ireland, you need to give one copy to the British Library.

Members

Get free access to exhibitions, unique events, 20% off shops and cafés, and our beautiful Members’ Room.

An auditorium full of people at an event at the British Library.

Culture seekers

Discover what's on at the Library. We have five-star exhibitions, events and courses, free galleries and tours.

Three young people sat at desks in a secondary school classroom.

Learners

Explore, imagine, create. Join us onsite or online for school workshops, family days, young people’s events, adult courses and community activities.

Schools