British Library
We are the national library of the UK. Our shelves hold over 170 million items - a living collection that gets bigger every day.
Although our roots extend back centuries, we collect everything published today, tomorrow and decades into the future. We have millions of books, but also newspapers, maps, sound recordings, patents and stamps.
Our spaces are open for study, a place to meet friends, to start up a new business or to get inspired by visiting our galleries and events.
We're continuing to experience a major technology outage as a result of a cyber-attack. Our buildings are open as usual, however, the outage is still affecting our website, online systems and services, as well as some onsite services. This is a temporary website, with limited content outlining the services that are currently available, as well as what's on at the Library.
I want to...
Consult the collection
Search our online catalogue to find most of our printed collections and some freely available online resources, but not everything is available.
Use the Library
Our Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire are open, but access to our collection and online resources is limited.
Visit our buildings
Our buildings in London and Yorkshire are open as usual. Find our opening hours, facilities and access information.
Attend an event
Discover what's on at the Library. We have five-star exhibitions, events and courses, family activities, free galleries and tours.
Find schools information
Explore our free workshops and activities for schools, available in London, Leeds and online.
Get business support
Start-up, protect or grow your business. Our centres across the UK offer expert advice for all stages of your business journey.
Can you help preserve history?
Our conservation appeal is raising money to conserve the most fragile and rare items in our collection, to ensure they are available for generations to come.
Opening hours during transport strikes
6 November 2024 - Following cancellation of planned London Underground strikes, our St Pancras opening hours will be as normal on Thursday 7 and Tuesday 12 November.
Four major digitised manuscripts restored
30 October 2024 - We've now added the Moutier-Grandval Bible, Codex Sinaiticus, Chronicle of the Kings of Mann and the Isles; John of Salisbury, Entheticus in Policraticum etc., and the Lindisfarne Gospels to our restored digitised manuscripts.
Rebecca Lawrence appointed as Library’s new Chief Executive
24 October 2024 - Rebecca Lawrence has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the British Library and will take up the role from 2 January 2025. She succeeds Sir Roly Keating, who has led the Library since 2012.
Contact us
Please email customer@bl.uk (08.30 - 16.30 Monday to Friday).
Our telephone service is currently unavailable, apologies for any inconvenience.