Find out what’s available in each Reading Room and how to request items.
"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can anyone use the Reading Rooms?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, anyone over the age of 18 can use our Reading Rooms. You just need a free Reader Pass. This also lets you 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.
"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can you work or study in the Reading Rooms?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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.
We have 11 Reading Rooms in London and one in Yorkshire. Find out where these are located in the building.
"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are there any rules for using the Reading Rooms?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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:
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.
"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What if I have a question?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Contact our customer service team for general enquiries and questions about requesting collection items.
If you need help with your research or to check which Reading Room to visit you can always ask our librarians.
"}}]}