Settings
Appearance
Site Icons
Font Size
Font
General
Infinite Scroll
Open Links in a New Tab
Safe Search
Related Questions
How much does it cost to access the British Library?
Answer: Access to the British Library’s physical collections is free of charge. However, there may be charges for specific services, such as photocopying and document supply. The Library’s digital collections are also free to access, with users able to download audio and video recordings, maps, newspapers and magazines, and databases. However, visitors are asked to register for a free library membership if they wish to access the Library’s digital collections.
What is the British Library’s opening times?
Answer: The British Library’s opening times vary by location. The Library’s flagship site in St Pancras, London is open to the public from 09:30 to 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:30 to 17:00 on Saturdays. The Library’s Boston Spa reading room is open from 09:30 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Visitors to both sites must sign in at the entrance, and are requested to bring a valid form of photo ID.
How do I access the British Library?
Answer: The British Library is a public research institution, open to all. Visitors can access the library in person, either by visiting one of its reading rooms in London or Boston Spa, or by attending a library event. Alternatively, users can access the Library's digital collection online, using their library card or signing up for a free library membership. If you are outside the UK, you can also access the Library's audio and video recordings, maps, newspapers and magazines, and databases, using the Library’s Digital Library service.
How long has the British Library been in existence?
Answer: The British Library has been in existence for over 250 years. The Library was established in 1753, when the British Museum first opened to the public. Over the centuries, the Library has grown and developed, expanding its collections and its services. The Library moved to its current site in St Pancras, London in 1998, where it resides today.
What type of material is held at the British Library?
Answer: The British Library holds a wide range of material across a variety of formats. Its collections include books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, sound recordings, patents, databases, stamps, prints, drawings and music scores. The Library also has an extensive digital collection, with over four million digital items available to download, including texts, images, audio and video recordings. The Library’s collections cover a range of topics, from science and technology, to literature, history, music and art.
What events does the British Library host?
Answer: The British Library hosts a range of events throughout the year, from book launches and talks, to exhibitions and performances. The Library’s website contains a list of upcoming events, with information on location, ticket prices and age restrictions. The Library also has a number of regular events, including the monthly ‘Late at the Library’ sessions, where visitors can explore the Library’s collections after hours. The Library also hosts a range of educational events, such as workshops and seminars, for both adults and children.
How big is the British Library?
Answer: The British Library is the largest library in the world by physical size, with over 170 million items catalogued. Its collections span three million square feet across two sites, in London and Boston Spa. The Library’s collections include books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, sound recordings, patents, databases, stamps, prints, drawings and music scores. The Library also has an extensive digital collection, with over four million digital items available to download.
How can I contact the British Library?
Answer: The British Library has a number of contact points. Visitors to the Library’s St Pancras site can contact the Library’s Information Desk, which is open from 09:30 to 20:00 Monday to Friday and 09:30 to 17:00 on Saturdays. The Library also has a dedicated enquiries service, which can be contacted by email or telephone. The Library’s website also contains a range of contact details, as well as a range of online forms and FAQs.
What is the British Library?
Answer: The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and the largest library in the world by number of items catalogued. It is one of the world's largest research libraries, holding over 170 million items in all known languages and formats, both print and digital. The Library's collections include books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, sound recordings, patents, databases, stamps, prints, drawings and music scores. It also has an online presence, with over four million digital items available to download, including texts, images, audio and video recordings.
What services does the British Library offer?
Answer: The British Library offers a range of services to its users. Visitors can access the Library’s physical collections by visiting one of its reading rooms, or attending a library event. The Library’s digital collection can be accessed online, with users able to download audio and video recordings, maps, newspapers and magazines, and databases. The Library also provides a range of educational resources, with online tutorials, online courses, and free downloadable resources. The Library also offers commercial services, such as digitisation, document supply, and photocopying services.