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.

In October 2023, the British Library experienced a significant cyber-attack that disrupted many of our services. Our buildings are open as usual, and we are working to restore full functionality. 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...

Researchers in a reading room at the British Library (copyright Mike O'Dwyer)

Consult the collection

Search our online catalogue to find our printed collections and some freely available online resources, but not everything is available.

A man studies a book at the British Library

Use the Library

Our Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire are open and you can access our printed collection, but access to our online resources is limited.

The outside of the British Library building in St Pancras, London

Visit our buildings

Our buildings in London and Yorkshire are open as usual. Find our opening hours, facilities and access information.

A laughing crowd at a British Library event

Attend an event

Discover what's on at the Library. We have five-star exhibitions, events and courses, family activities, free galleries and tours.

Three young children play at a British Library event

Find schools information

Explore our free workshops and activities for schools, available in London, Leeds and online.

A man and a women hold a discussion at a BIPC event

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.

Make a donation or explore ways to support our work.

Support our work

As a charity, we work to preserve and share our collection of over 170 million items, which grows every day.

Shelves at the British Library, holding newspapers and other items

Item request form maintenance - Sunday 4 May

30 April 2025 - Due to planned maintenance our collection item request form will be unavailable between 10.00 and 12.00 on Sunday 4 May. The form will be restored as soon as possible, and we're sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Entrance Hall and foyer of the British Library at St Pancras © Sam Walton

Reader Registration reopens

9 April 2025 - Our Reader Registration office has now reopened and we're able to process new and renewed passes. We are experiencing high demand so there may be a wait for your pass. Thank you for your patience.

The foyer in the British Library extension at St Pancras (looking south-west)

Moving ahead with our transformation plans at St Pancras

19 March 2025 - We’re progressing groundbreaking plans to transform our St Pancras site with a multi-purpose extension to deliver even more exhibitions, events, learning programmes, research and business support.

Contact us

Email customer@bl.uk or use our online chat (Monday – Friday, 09.30 – 16.00).