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.

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.
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 three years.
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.
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.
Whether you are renewing, replacing or getting a new pass, please bring:
Types of documents we can accept if you are bringing two separate documents include
Please note
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.
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.
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.
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 pass. This Reader Pass will be valid for three years.
If you have a temporary paper pass please visit Reader Registration to exchange it for a photographic 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.
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.
View the main opening hours page for any closures. Closed on bank holidays.
Maps, Manuscripts, and Asian and African Studies Reading Rooms close at 17.00 Monday – Saturday.
View the main opening hours page for any closures. Closed on bank holidays.
View the main opening hours page for any closures. Closed on bank holidays.