What Can I Do at the British Library?

The British Library is the UK's national library, and it is open to everyone and free to use. You can search the main catalogue, explore collections, use study spaces, and attend exhibitions and events in London, Yorkshire, or online. Before you go, check the latest updates for building closures or limited services.

Search the Catalogue and Explore Collections

The Library's homepage puts "Search our main catalogue" and "Discover our collections" at the top of its "What do you want to do today?" menu. That is the natural starting point if you want to find a specific item or browse what the Library holds. The site describes free access to over 170 million items, so the catalogue is the practical way to locate material before a visit.

Visit and Use the Study Spaces

The homepage lists "Visit the Library" and "Use our study spaces" as core visitor actions. If your goal is to study or work on site, plan around the study spaces and check the opening arrangements first. Note that some Reading Rooms and Reader Registration can close on specific dates, and item request fulfilment may be limited at those times.

Attend Exhibitions and Events

The Library runs a permanent exhibition, "Treasures of the British Library," where you can see books, maps, and manuscripts from the collections. It also hosts temporary exhibitions and a full events programme with world-class speakers, in London, Yorkshire, and online.

Check Updates Before You Go

The "Latest updates" section carries time-sensitive notices. One example is a partial building closure on 24 and 25 October, when some Reading Rooms and Reader Registration are closed and item request fulfilment is limited. Checking this section before travelling helps you avoid a wasted trip.

Other Things You Can Do

• Support the conservation appeal: the Library is aiming to raise £60,000 to conserve items including a pamphlet written by Benjamin Franklin, volumes from the Oscar Wilde collection, and a 19th-century painting.
• Get help: the contact page offers answers to common questions, a customer services chat, and a feedback route.

Quick Planning Checklist

1. Decide your purpose: catalogue research, study space, or an exhibition/event.
2. Search the main catalogue or browse collections for what you need.
3. Check "Latest updates" for closures or limited services on your date.
4. For events, confirm whether it is in London, Yorkshire, or online.

The Library is free to use and open to everyone, but specific services such as Reading Rooms and item requests can be affected by closures, so verify before your visit.