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.

We’re working hard at both our sites to make sure everyone can visit us safely.

Our opening hours

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.

Start Quick Chat

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

Woman sits on a wooden chair next to a bird cage

How to use the Library

It’s all yours. Get a free British Library Reader Pass to use study space and access over 170 million items.

Face of Alexander the Great statue opened to reveal a pink elephant, a snake, a horse and a ship.

Alexander the Great: The Making of a Myth

When it comes to making myths, Alexander the Great’s story has it all.

A profile view of a block of gold

Gold

50 spectacular manuscripts from around the world.

Treasures of the British Library. Discover stories that shape the world.

Treasures Gallery

Magna Carta. Jane Austen's notebook. The Beatles' lyrics. Just some of the treasures you can see here.

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What's on

Browse through our wide range of events.

3D model of the building

Explore the building

Tour our Grade 1 listed building.

British Library group tour

British Library tours

Discover more about our history, collections and architecture on this tour.

Man making coffee in the British Library

Eat, Drink, Shop

Dine or refuel yourself in our cafés and restaurant, and explore our range of products in our shop.

Photograph of family during a workshop

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.

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School visits

Arrange inspirational visits to engage your learners with our unique collections.

Further information

Business advice

Business & IP Centre

The British Library’s Business & IP Centre can help you start, run and grow your business.

Members image for the British Library

Become a Member

Unique and memorable experiences for you, your friends and family with Membership

The British Library building

Facilities

We offer a range of facilities including restaurants, cloakrooms and free WiFi.

Accessibility

Accessibility

We aim to provide an accessible environment for all our visitors.