How to get a British Library Reader Pass
Your British Library Reader Pass is a library card that gives you free access to our world-leading collection and Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire.
Everyone needs a Reader Pass that has been issued or renewed since 21 March 2024 to request collection items. This is because our system has changed since the cyber-attack in October 2023.
What can I do with a Reader Pass?
Use our Reading Rooms
Your Reader Pass will give you free access to 11 Reading Rooms in London and one in Yorkshire. All our study spaces have comfy seats, power outlets and free Wi-Fi.
Access our collection
Explore our interim catalogue to find most of our printed collections. Not everything is available because of a cyber-attack in 2023 that caused disruption to our systems.
Order collection items
Request items from our catalogue of over 170 million items and they'll be waiting for you in our Reading Rooms.
Reader registration frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do I get British Library Reader Pass?
To get your free Reader Pass please visit Reader Registration in St Pancras, London, or Boston Spa, Yorkshire. You will need to bring ID (see list below). We will issue you with a Reader Pass, these are valid for one year.
Once you have your free Reader Pass, you can use our Reading Rooms for personal study, access items on the shelves and request collection items to consult in the Reading Rooms.
Who can become a Reader at the British Library?
Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to access our collection or Reading Rooms, and can visit the Library in person, can apply for a Reader Pass. Our users include academic researchers, undergraduate and postgraduate students and members of the public. Researching family history is an example of a very popular activity.
Under-18 Readers
At the moment we’re unable to issue Reader Passes to under 18s. If you’re under 18 you might find your school or local library is better equipped to serve your needs.
What ID do I need to register as a Reader?
Whether you are renewing, replacing or getting a new pass, please bring:
- a state-issued photo ID, printed with your photo, name and address (examples of ID that include all of these include driving license or national ID card) or
- two separate documents, one showing your name and one showing your home address.
Types of documents we can accept if you are bringing two separate documents include
- State-issued documents e.g. passport
- Bills and financial documents
- NHS documentation e.g. NHS appointment letters and prescriptions
- DVLA documentation or correspondence
- Residency e.g. tenancy agreements.
Please note
- we can accept original documents, photos, online versions or scanned copies of the documents above. Please ensure all text is legible
- some driving licenses and national identity cards do not show your address. If yours doesn't, we can't accept it as your sole ID
- all documents need to be valid, or the paperwork issued within the last 12 months
- if necessary, it's up to you to provide official translations for foreign documents
- if you would like to bring a guest aged over 18 into our Reading Rooms, they will also need a Reader Pass. If you require a carer or have an adult dependent, they will also need a Reader Pass.
Unfortunately, we can't issue a Reader Pass without seeing the ID listed above. Without a Reader Pass, you won't be able to use our Reading Rooms.
Is a British Library Reader Pass free?
Yes, a British Library Reader Pass is completely free of charge. It will give you free access to our world-leading collection and free access to the Reading Rooms - calm, quiet, study spaces with comfy chairs and free Wi-Fi, where you can study even if you’re not using any collection items.
Can I register as a Reader online?
Currently you can only get a Reader Pass by visiting Reader Registration in St Pancras or Boston Spa, and you can’t pre-register online. This is because a cyber-attack in October 2023 damaged our systems. We’ll let you know when we can bring back online registration.
My Reader Pass has expired, how do I renew it?
Please bring your expired Reader Pass and your ID (see list above) to Reader Registration in St Pancras or Boston Spa. Your Reader number will be transferred to your new photographic pass. This photographic Reader Pass will be valid for one year.
If you have a temporary paper pass please visit Reader Registration to exchange it for a photographic pass.
Can I borrow items with my Reader Pass?
We're a bit different to your local library. You can't take books out, but you can use our Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire for personal study and to access our collection. All you need is a free Reader Pass.
What are your Reader Registration opening times?
Our Reader Registration opening times differ from our main building opening times. More information can be found on our Visit page.
What if I have a question?
If you have a question about our registration process, please email reader@bl.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Photos: Sam Walton