Your guide to the Library, opening times and more
We're open for everyone...
In London you can use our St Pancras Reading Rooms and public desks and visit all our galleries, including the free Treasures Gallery. We’ve also got events, courses, activities for schools, our Business and IP Centre, and if you’re a British Library Member, you can visit our Members’ Room.
In Yorkshire you can use our Boston Spa Reading Rooms. We also have a growing programme of workshops, events and exhibitions in Leeds and the surrounding area.
Quick Chat
For general enquiries about our services, exhibitions and events Chat with our Customer Services Team.
Quick Chat is available Monday to Friday: 09.30 – 16:00.
When Quick Chat is unavailable, you can contact our Customer Services Team by telephone on +44 (0)1937 546060 during the hours of 09.00 – 16.30, Monday to Friday or by email at customer-services@bl.uk.
Things to do
Become a Reader
Take a seat in one of our Reading Rooms and access over 150 million collection items.
Breaking the News
Challenge and change the way you think about news.
Gold
50 spectacular manuscripts from around the world.
Treasures Gallery
Magna Carta. Jane Austen's notebook. The Beatles' lyrics. Just some of the treasures you can see here.
What's on
Browse through our wide range of events.
British Library tours
Discover more about our history, collections and architecture on this tour.
Eat, Drink, Shop
Dine or refuel yourself in our cafés and restaurant, and explore our range of products in our shop.
Explore the building
Tour our Grade 1 listed building.
Family activities
From regular monthly workshops to special Family Days, we welcome families to the British Library to take part in a range of creative activities designed for all the family.
School visits
Arrange inspirational visits to engage your learners with our unique collections.
Further information
Business & IP Centre
The British Library’s Business & IP Centre can help you start, run and grow your business.
Become a Member
Unique and memorable experiences for you, your friends and family with Membership
Facilities
We offer a range of facilities including restaurants, cloakrooms and free WiFi.
Accessibility
We aim to provide an accessible environment for all our visitors.
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