Events and exhibitions
Join us for transporting exhibitions, events with a host of world-class speakers, courses designed to expand your perspectives and inspiring workshops for families.
We have events online, in London, a growing programme of activities in Leeds, and nationwide through our Living Knowledge Network.
We're continuing to experience a major technology outage as a result of a cyber-attack, but our buildings remain open and our events and exhibitions are going ahead as planned.
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words
With over 140 extraordinary items, discover the rich and complex lives of women of medieval Europe, both famous and forgotten, through their own words, visions and experiences. Exhibition details.
A Silk Road Oasis: Life in Ancient Dunhuang
Step into the ancient town of Dunhuang, a once bustling town on the famous Silk Road, to meet the people who lived, travelled through, worked and worshipped there.
The Endangered Archives Programme: Twenty Years of Saving Documentary Heritage
A free display in our Entrance Hall commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Endangered Archives Programme (EAP) which has facilitated over 500 projects dedicated to digitising at-risk archives worldwide. The EAP is generously supported by Arcadia.
Treasures of the British Library
Explore some of the world's most exciting, beautiful and significant books, maps and manuscripts, including Magna Carta, in our permanent exhibition. Visit for free, no booking required, or dive deeper on a tour.
Our full events programme
Tickets for our full events programme - exhibitions, cultural events, family activities, adult courses and tours - are available online.
We offer a range of events and activities for people with additional needs and disabilities including accessible tours, relaxed hours and group workshops.
Talks, readings and performances
Talks, readings and performances
Join us this autumn for a fantastic line-up of cultural events, including music, talks, festivals, performances, poetry, and more. Upcoming highlights include Gazelle Twin live at the Library and the Irish Writers’ Weekend, while our two new exhibitions bring their own host of fascinating events, including curators’ lunchtime lectures, a MedievalFest and Silk Road Bazaar.
Members get more
Our members play a vital role in supporting us so we can care for our collections, protecting them for future generations.
Member benefits include:
- free entry for you and a guest to exhibitions*
- up to half price off tickets to our events*
- exclusive access for you and a guest to the Members' Room, overlooking the King's Library
- 20% off in our restaurants, cafés and shops
*Subject to availability. Limitations and restrictions apply.
More events and tours
Tours
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.
Family events
Join us for family fun from creative family days to artist-led workshops, regular under 5s sessions and relaxed openings, there's so much for your family or community group to enjoy together.
School events
Join us for workshops, tours and events for teachers and schools, families and learners of all ages.
Adult courses
We run courses for adult learners both in-person and online, themed around key areas of our collection. Join a one-day masterclass, a hands-on creative weekend or tune into a six-week lecture series on a variety of topics.
Living Knowledge Network events
Our Living Knowledge Network brings world-class speakers, emerging voices and inspirational debate to public libraries and the people who use them.
What's on in West Yorkshire
In anticipation of a new site in Leeds and the transformation of our facility in Boston Spa, we’re working with local partners in West Yorkshire to open up our collections with events and exhibitions in the region.
![Why We Need Fantasy: Neil Gaiman in conversation event at the British Library]](/events-exhibitions/british-library-events-online.jpg)
British Library events online
Watch a selection of our past events on YouTube, featuring world-class speakers in captivating talks, readings and performances.
Fantasy: Realms of Imagination
Our Fantasy: Realms of Imagination is setting off on tour across the US. First stop: Bowers Museum in California where we celebrate some of the finest fantasy creators. Supported by International Touring Partner, Wayland Games.