Commercial venue hire
Host your next event at the British Library.
Home to works by some of history’s greatest minds and most influential figures, our iconic spaces are ideal for your next corporate event or evening soiree.
At our prime central London location, our experienced team have facilitated music festivals, meetings, conferences, product launches, dinners and drinks receptions.
Our dedicated catering, design and technology partners will ensure that your event looks, sounds and tastes incredible.
For a quote, email us at centraleventsteam@bl.uk.
Knowledge Centre bar
Pigott Theatre
The Boardroom
Conferences and meetings
Our Knowledge Centre is perfect for hosting meetings and multi-day conferences. It contains multiple meeting rooms, a theatre, and an open plan networking area with a bar. All our meeting rooms have windows, giving each space a bright, airy feel. Technological and audiovisual setups in every room mean we can cater to all manner of digital meeting requirements.
Alternatively, our Boardroom Suite offers a more classical space for formal meetings and executive business events for up to 32 people. The Boardroom, surrounded by heritage artwork, is a truly elegant meeting or private dining space with a touch of luxury.
To find out more about hosting your conference or meeting at the British Library, email us at centraleventsteam@bl.uk.
Outdoor Terrace
Upper Ground Floor
King's Library
Evening events and parties
The British Library is the perfect venue for events, parties and dinners, with a wide range of dazzling hosting spaces.
Our gorgeous Terrace and outdoor rooftop space boasts panoramic views across London, ideal for a summer party. For the literary-inclined, our King’s Library Gallery, steeped in history, is a truly showstopping heritage backdrop for dinners or drinks.
The Upper Gallery offers a breathtaking open space for networking events or product launches. This awe-inspiring architectural setting is right at the heart of the library.
To find out more about hosting your evening event or party at the British Library, email us at centraleventsteam@bl.uk.
Capacities
The capacities for each of our spaces are as follows.
King's Library Gallery (available for evening hire only)
Capacity: 80 (cabaret) / 150 (reception)
Terrace Restaurant (available for evening hire only)
Capacity: 120 (cabaret) / 200 (reception)
Outside Terrace (available for evening hire only)
Capacity: 200 (reception)
Upper Gallery (available for evening hire only)
Capacity: 150 (cabaret) / 350 (reception)
Boardroom
Capacity: 32
Cotton Room
Capacity: 12 (boardroom)
Harley Room
Capacity: 12 (boardroom)
Burney Room
Capacity: 8 (boardroom)
Sloane Room
Capacity: 4 (boardroom)
Knowledge Centre
The capacities in our Knowledge Centre are as follows.
Pigott Theatre
Capacity: 255 (theatre) / 200 (reception)
Brontë
Capacity: 62 (theatre) / 36 (cabaret) / 60 (reception) / 24 (boardroom)
Brontë A
Capacity: 30 (theatre) / 18 (cabaret) / 30 (reception) / 12 (boardroom)
Brontë B
Capacity: 20 (theatre) / 12 (cabaret) / 25 (reception) / 12 (boardroom)
Dickens
Capacity: 25 (theatre) / 18 (cabaret) / 25 (reception) / 12 (boardroom)
Eliot
Capacity: 60 (theatre) / 36 (cabaret) / 68 (reception) / 24 (boardroom)
Chaucer
Capacity: 50 (theatre) / 24 (cabaret) / 60 (reception) / 16 (boardroom)
Please note that all our spaces are wheelchair accessible, and we can provide digital and audiovisual support as needed.
To view floorplans, organise a tour or for more details about any of our spaces, please contact our venue hire team at centraleventsteam@bl.uk.
Follow us on Instagram @britishlibrary_venuehire.
Frequently asked questions
How long will your team take to reply to my email?
Once we receive your request, a member of our team will strive to get back to you within 24 hours.
What is included in my quote?
Your quote will include the hired space, a catering order for the anticipated number of guests, audio-visual requirements and any additional needs such as cloakroom staffing, equipment hire or early access fee(s).
How long will the set-up take?
Most set-ups take around 30 minutes, which is free and included in your quote. For longer set-ups with complicated decorations or props, we might need to add an additional fee.
Do you offer building tours?
We do! Ask a member of our team about adding a tour of the building or our collection to your event.
Will the Library be open to the public during my event?
Although the Library is open to the public every day, many of our event spaces cannot be accessed by visitors, even during those hours. In specific circumstances, we can redirect members of the public away from privately hired areas.
Are your spaces accessible?
All of our spaces and toilets are fully accessible and fitted with a hearing loop. We can provide digital and audiovisual support as needed.
Is there parking available on site?
We have parking spaces available for disabled drivers but encourage all other visitors to access the Library via our excellent public transport links.
Are there projectors or screens at the venue?
Yes, all rooms that we hire can have projectors and screens. Ask about our AV packages with a member of our team to find out more.
If you have any other questions do not hesitate to get in touch with our team at centraleventsteam@bl.uk.
Discover our spaces
Discover how our spaces can work for your event. We’d love to show you round.