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EnglishWhat Is the British Library?
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The British Library is the UK's national library. It is open to everyone and free to use, and it provides access to over 170 million items through its main catalogue. It is a practical destination if you want to consult collections, use study spaces, attend exhibitions and events, or find resources aimed at research, business and schools.
What you can do there
The Library organises its services around common visitor goals. According to its homepage, the main options are:
- Search the main catalogue — look up items in the Library's collections.
- Discover collections — explore the breadth of material the Library holds.
- Visit the Library — plan a trip to its buildings.
- Use study spaces — find a place to work or study.
It also groups resources under Research, Business and Schools, so you can go straight to the audience or purpose that matches your visit.
Exhibitions, events and courses
The Library runs a public programme in London, Yorkshire and online, which means you do not necessarily need to be in London to take part.
- A permanent exhibition, Treasures of the British Library, displays books, maps and manuscripts from the collections.
- Temporary exhibitions are also scheduled. One example listed is Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery, running 30 October 2026 – 20 June 2027.
- A wider calendar covers exhibitions, events and courses with speakers from various fields.
If your main reason for visiting is an exhibition or talk, check the events listing before travelling, since the programme changes over time.
Practical things to check before you go
The Library publishes service updates that can affect a visit. One example is a partial building closure on 24 and 25 October, during which some Reading Rooms and Reader Registration were closed and item request fulfilment was limited. Before a trip, especially if you plan to use a Reading Room or request items, check the latest updates on the site so a short closure does not disrupt your plans.
The homepage also points to a contact page with answers to common questions, a customer services chat, and a feedback form — useful if you need to confirm access arrangements or ask about a specific service.
Who it is for
| If you are… | Start with |
|---|---|
| A first-time visitor | Visit the Library; Treasures of the British Library |
| A researcher | Search the main catalogue; Research resources; Reading Rooms (check closures) |
| A business user | Business resources |
| A teacher or student group | Schools resources |
| Looking for something to do | Events and exhibitions (London, Yorkshire, online) |
The Library also runs a conservation appeal aiming to raise £60,000 to support conservation of items including a pamphlet written by Benjamin Franklin, volumes from its Oscar Wilde collection, and a 19th-century painting — relevant if you are interested in supporting the collections rather than using them.
In short: treat bl.uk as the starting point for planning a visit, searching the catalogue, or finding an event. Confirm opening details and any service disruptions on the site before you travel.