Visit the national library of the UK. Explore our buildings, study, meet friends, attend an event and get free access to over 170 million items. Join us.
Get practical information to help plan your trip to the British Library. On this page you will find opening hours, facilities, and accessibility information for our two locations – St Pancras in London, and Boston Spa in West Yorkshire.
We have millions of books, but also newspapers, maps, sound recordings, photographs, patents and stamps. Search our available catalogues below or explore our research guides. You'll need a Reader Pass to see material in our Reading Rooms. You can find out how to use the Library here.
We are the national library of the UK. Our shelves hold over 170 million items with both our London and Yorkshire sites free to use for everyone. Visit today.
What can I do at the Library? We're a bit different to your local library. We house the national collection, with many unique items. You can't take books home, but you can use our Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire for personal study and to access our collections.
Discover more about our history, collections, and architecture with our available guided tours of the Library. Concessions and private tours available.
Explore some of the treasures of the British Library or discover more about our history, collection and architecture on a tour of the public areas of the Library.
Discover some of the world's most significant books, maps and manuscripts, find artworks on display around the building and access behind-the-scenes content with the free British Library Bloomberg Connects digital guide.
Read the latest news and updates from the British Library. Featuring exhibition announcements, details about our latest acquisitions, important service updates, and information for Readers and visitors.
