Skip to content

Members get more

With an annual British Library Membership, you can enjoy a range of benefits. From unique events to our beautiful Members’ Room, there’s something for everyone.

Several people sit talking and reading papers and books in the Members' Room of the British Library, London.

You'll receive:

  • free entry to exhibitions for you and a guest
  • up to half price off event tickets
  • exclusive access to the Members’ Room for you and a guest
  • 20% off across library restaurants, cafés and shops*.

Choose from Standard Membership for £95 or Joint Membership for £135 – where you’ll receive an extra card for someone else to enjoy all the listed perks as well.

British Library Membership cards.

Membership as a gift

Looking for a unique gift for a loved one? A British Library Membership is the perfect present that they can keep enjoying throughout the year.

Simply buy online, and we’ll send a Membership package to your chosen recipient in the post.

Visitors looking at items in display cabinets.

Benefactor Membership

Support the British Library with an additional donation and become a Benefactor Member. As a thank you, you’ll receive:

  • a British Library Membership and all the associated benefits
  • invitations to out-of-hours tours of exhibitions led by our expert curators
  • our monthly supporters’ newsletter and annual report, keeping you up to date with all the news from the Library and acknowledging the impact of your generous support.

More details

A person working in the Members’ Room.

Your Members’ Room

The Members’ Room offers relaxing spaces, with a private bar, a café and a study room. An oasis from the wider building, it’s an ideal spot for catching up with a friend or zoning in on work.

A selection of food.

20% off the cafés and shops

Enjoy refreshments across all library cafés and restaurants with 20% off. Members are also entitled to 20% off in our shops, including the bookshop*.

*Some limitations/ restrictions apply. Read the membership terms and conditions for more information.

How do I claim my discount in the shops and cafés?

Simply present your Membership card when you make a purchase, and the discount will be applied.


How can I claim my half price tickets?

Just buy a discounted Members’ event ticket online, and make sure you show up to the event with your Membership card.

What happens if I visit and forget/or have lost my Membership card?

Members cannot access discounts and Membership benefits such as admission to exhibitions and the Members’ Room without a valid Membership card. If you have lost your Membership card, a replacement can be printed from the Information, Tickets & Membership Desk at St Pancras. This will render your lost/forgotten card inactive. Alternatively, you can email us at customer@bl.uk and we will be happy to post a replacement card to you.


Who can I bring with me when I visit?

Members can bring a guest with them to exhibitions and into the Members’ Room. For more details head to the Membership Terms and Conditions.

Where can I find your Membership terms and conditions?

Annual membership - standard, joint, gift membership - British Library