Working with our local communities

Do you live or work nearby? Join us to create and support free activities, events and opportunities for residents and organisations based near the Library.

Two people making a tapestry inside the British Library

We work with local community groups and residents to explore our collection, share stories and knowledge, and celebrate all the great ideas and talent on our doorstep.

Find out more about activities and events for local residents and groups in London and West Yorkshire.

What we do

Together with our neighbours, we create and support free activities, events and opportunities for residents and organisations based near the Library.

In London, our community hub, The Last Word, is available for local groups to use.

We work primarily with groups and individuals who feel connected to the four surrounding wards of King’s Cross, as well as the wider borough of Camden and its vibrant community.

Live nearby? Discover how you can get involved in our community-led programmes.

What’s on in London?

We have lots on for you, with new events and activities coming up every week. If you’d like to know what’s on for locals, please contact us at communityengagement@bl.uk.

The Last Word

Join us at our community hub, where we meet locals, share ideas and develop community-led projects. Stop by for a tea, suggest an activity or learn about getting a Reader Pass. Find us in London on the Library’s Piazza, Monday – Saturday, 10:00 – 16:00 (opening times vary).

View of the British Library at St Pancras with the Piazza in view.

Join our community tours

If you’ve ever walked past our gates and wondered what’s inside, come along to a community tour. We’ll show you around the Library, introduce you to our building and chat through what we do. Pop in to see us or email communityengagement@bl.uk.

Community book circle

Our book circle brings people together to connect and explore different interests. Discover a range of books encompassing diverse lives and histories, which you can read and discuss with others. Pop in to see us or email communityengagement@bl.uk.

What’s on in West Yorkshire?

An outdoor light show with images projected onto a building.

Get involved in West Yorkshire

With a new site in Leeds in the works and the transformation of our facility in Boston Spa, we’re working with local people and partners to open up our collection to communities in West Yorkshire. See what's on in West Yorkshire or contact the team at leedspresence@bl.uk.

Our transformation plans in London

Proposed view of the renovated St Pancras building.

Transforming the Library for you

We're transforming our St Pancras building to create new spaces and programmes connected to our community. We’re committed to ensuring this project benefits local people – drop in to The Last Word to find out how you can get involved or email us at community.engagement@bl.uk.

Find out more

What will the expansion include?

The extension will include green spaces and a community garden, new entrances on Ossulston Street and Midland Road, better pedestrian routes to and from Somers Town, a vibrant foyer which can be used for community events and affordable workspaces with free incubator desks for local entrepreneurs.

A visualisation of the foyer in the British Library extension at St Pancras (looking south-west).

Opening up new opportunities

Throughout the project we’ll be seeking to connect locals with apprenticeships and work experience opportunities, especially for Camden’s young people. The project will also make a £23 million contribution toward affordable housing, helping to deliver 35 new homes in Camden.