Our Reading Rooms and study spaces
We have a variety of study spaces for you to use in London and Yorkshire. All our study spaces have comfy seats, power outlets and free Wi-Fi.
Reading Rooms
We have 11 Reading Rooms in London and one in Yorkshire, where you can request and see our collection items, or just come to study.
Public desks
We have desks available around our public spaces in London. Anyone can use these desks for free, but you can only consult collection items in our Reading Rooms
Members’ Room
Our Members’ Room in London is available to those with a yearly paid-for membership and has its own bar.
How to use our Reading Rooms
We have 11 Reading Rooms in London and one in Yorkshire. These are quiet, dedicated spaces where you can access items in our collection. You can also use the Reading Rooms for personal study even if you’re not using any collection items.
Anyone over 18 can use these rooms, you just need a free Reader Pass.
Each Reading Room has a different specialty, and some items can only be consulted in certain rooms. We also have specialist staff – our Reference team – in each room who can help you consult our collection.
Find out what is available in each Reading Room.
How do I view collection items in the Reading Rooms?
We’re a bit different to your local library. You can’t take the books out, but you can order collection items to consult in one of our Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire. All you need is a free Reader Pass. This must have been issued or renewed since 21 March 2024 if you want to request items online in advance.
Find out what’s available in each Reading Room and how to request items.
Can anyone use the Reading Rooms?
Yes, you just need a Reader Pass to use the British Library Reading Rooms. Getting a Reader Pass is free and enables you to request items from our collection to view in the Reading Rooms.
You will be asked to agree to our Terms of Use when you register, which helps us keep our collection safe.
Can you work or study in the Reading Rooms?
Yes. If you have a Reader Pass you can study at the British Library, even if you’re not using any collection items. Just show your Reader Pass at the Reading Room security desk as you enter.
You can also choose which of the Reading Rooms to use, unless you are combining your study time with using collection items. Some collection items can only be consulted in certain Reading Rooms, you can contact our team for more information about this.
Where are the Reading Rooms?
We have 11 Reading Rooms in London and one in Yorkshire. Find out where these are located in the building.
When are the Reading Rooms open?
The opening hours of the Reading Rooms vary between our two sites and differ from the opening times of our public spaces, entrance hall and galleries.
Check our opening hours.
Are there any rules for using the Reading Rooms?
Our Reading Rooms are calm, inspiring places to work and view the Library’s collection. We are proud that our St Pancras site is regarded as one of the best libraries to study at in London.
As we are sure you can understand, things are a little different at the British Library, so we do ask you to observe a few rules when you’re in the Reading Rooms:
- pens can’t be used in the Reading Rooms - just pencils please
- leave any coats, bags or laptop cases in the cloakroom or in a locker
- no food or drink to be taken in or consumed in the Reading Rooms
- leave your mobile phone and laptop on silent, and headphones at a low volume.
The temperatures inside the Reading Rooms are set to protect our collection and may feel cool, so we suggest bringing an extra layer for your comfort.
What if I have a question?
Contact us for general enquiries and questions about requesting collection items at customer@bl.uk.
If you need help with your research or to check which Reading Room to visit you can always ask our librarians.
What can I do next?
Get your Reader Pass
Your Reader Pass is a library card that gives you free access to our collections and Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire.
Access our collection
Explore our interim catalogue to find most of our printed collections. Not everything is available because of a cyber-attack in 2023 that caused disruption to our systems.
Order collection items
Find out how to request items from our catalogue of over 170 million items. You will need a Reader Pass issued or renewed since 21 March 2024 to request items.