Pretty much every piece of written information ever published is supposed to be available here. As such, locating the majority of it takes a few days. If you are not a fan of libraries in general, then this one is the mother of all frustrating places to study. First of all you have to join. Most people are entitled to join, but only for 3 months. In order to obtain a longer lasting pass, you will need to be a postgraduate student or academic. If you are a postgraduate dealing with out of print documents, it is likely that you will need to use the British Library at some point. After you have been issued with a pass, you can go online to find the information you require. Once you have located the appropriate books, you will need to order them for the particular day you would like to visit the library, usually at least three days in advance. Then you will need to specify which room you would like to study in. Once you have done all of this, you can cruise along to the BL and get hold of the information you require. However, you will need to relinquish all of your belongings before entering any of the reading rooms. Remember to take a pencil, as pens are forbidden. Everything you wish to take with you must be placed into a small clear plastic bag, just like liquids at the airport. Overall, I would recommend the British Library as a nice place to visit, for the architecture, bookshop and courtyard, but not the easiest place to study. read more

The British Library - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

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I don't usually give 5 stars but BL deserves one for the following reasons - beautiful large space - lots of incredible rare and very beautifully illustrated old books But for me, foremost, this is a great place to work. BL has lots of tables. Lots of outlets. Great free WIFI. Several places on-site to get coffee and fuel. And it is very close to the King's Cross and St Pancras station. read more

The British Library - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

Hands down one of my favorite experiences in my two week UK trip that encompassed England, the Isle of Wight, and Scotland. I can't speak more highly than that, since I ended up going to/experiencing closet to 50 different attractions while there. First of all, it's free. Second of all: Original. Beatles. Documents. Yes, you heard me. The Beatles' hands graced across the pages of some of the documents there. Swoon. Thirdly, you see so many beautiful, wonderful, awesome things. From documents written in the hands of Kings and Queens, to notes scribbled out by the great composers themselves (I'm looking at you, Beethoven), and even writers (Lewis Carroll, Shakespeare), beautiful illustrations (Leonardo da Vinci's notebook!), and religious texts (parts of the Gutenberg Bible, Qur'an illustrations) and political texts, too. It's seriously more than a little mind boggling, if you take the time to think about how much history is surrounding you, like I did because I'm a nerd. As you enter the special exhibit hall, there is a strange hush. Outside of that, where the main library is, you experience a of lively hum. But inside, everyone is quiet; like they're inside a church. The lighting is dim, and you feel like you're suddenly about to experience something intimate, or at least private. When words are spoke, they're uttered in whispers. No one wants to shatter the illusion of privacy, even if there are a dozen of you inside. I found myself whispering to my companion excitedly, and then I also found my voice slowly dying as I spoke, so that I had to move closer to for her to hear me. It felt wrong to speak in normal tones, which I gather most people thought as well, since there was a serious quietness in there. THE VERDICT: It's hard to describe how I felt when I found myself at the Beatles' exhibit each time. I say each time, because I went back three times, in fact. It was an entirely unique experience to anything I have ever felt in this world: totally reverent, but also... touched. Staring at the slanting, frantic script, I actually felt goose bumps on my arms, and tears tickle the back of my eyes. I was grounded, but my body felt lightweight. I was staring and absorbing, and thinking about how their hands moved across those pages, how they really seemed inspired by everything and nothing, and how I thought that that was beautiful. It just really affected me, in that moment. I wonder if that's the closest thing I'll ever feel to a religious experience... At any rate, this place has something for everyone: music, composers, significant literary writers, religious texts, political texts, stuff the King and Queen signed/wrote, 16th century plays, stuff by Shakespeare, medieval lore books. And they also do a rotating exhibit, as well. We spent a few hours here, and I was almost in a fugue state of wonder. I'm a huge literary nerd, so a place like this is genuinely one of the most heavenly places I could ever be in. MY TIME: You aren't allowed to take pictures, so based on when we ate, and when we went to the Palace Theatre... I'd guess we spent a little over 2 hours here. I could have spent twice as long, easily. In fact, I wished I had! read more

If you're interested in ancient religious manuscripts especially from early Christianity and Christianity in Europe from the middle age then this library is for you. Many people visit to glimpse the Magna Carta but I came to visit specially to glimpse some manuscripts for different versions of the Hebrew and Greek bible circulating Europe in the medieval period. If you love that kinda shit, this is the place for you. Also, the library has a small book/gift store on the lower level and I highly recommend it. Got some great books there. read more

"We hold 14 million books, 920,000 journal and newspaper titles, 58 million patents, 3 million sound recordings, and so much more." If we calculate that at an average of 80,000 words per book, 15,000 per journal and 5,000 per recording you will get a total somewhere in the vicinity of ridiculous, each word pondered and thought upon with the ultimate intention of imparting opinion and knowledge. I don't know about you but I find that notion quite staggering. The British Library is Britain's premier academic research institution and has played host, over the years, to many great minds who have shaped this nation. Upon entering there is an immediate feeling of treading on hallowed ground, the towering shelving standing like tombstones in homage to intellectuals of the past. In such an atmosphere as this it's almost impossible not to feel some obligation to study and this is what makes the British Library such a great destination for academics. On top of this atmosphere you receive free wireless connection throughout the library, enabling you to access even greater numbers of resources, a cafe outside which serves a range of food and beverages and, of course, the largest collection of works in the UK. On the downside, the BL in St Pancras won't necessarily have the specific text you're after and you may be asked to wait a few days for them to order it in. Furthermore, it can be quite tricky to obtain a library card from here unless you are studying at an institution or can provide clear evidence of a research purpose - this is not somewhere you can just come for a read. In spite of its elitism, or maybe because of it, the British Library remains the best study spot in the capital. read more

The British Library - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

The British Library is a great place to visit, for research or simply to walk in the footsteps of the many greats who have studied here. There is an gallery space that offers different exhibitions through the year, and that usually relate to the archives held by the Library. Although it can be onerous to join (or so I've heard, not having had any problems as a student), anyone is entitled to do so. There is free wireless internet throughout the library, reaching to the courtyard cafe outside called the Last Word. There are several reading rooms organized according to subject and academic specialty. There is a cafe on the second floor, as well as a restaurant on the third floor with an outdoor terrace, where smokers often take refuge from the rain. This is a haven of peace in the busy Kings Cross area, and certainly worth a visit. Br prepared to be searched for entry though, as security is very high. read more

The British Library - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

The Library holds, or can give you access to every book published in the UK. The library has a number of reading rooms where you can study and access the collection. It is a truly incredibly institution. Beyond their academic and literary value some of the books are exquisitely designed. There are also mini exhibitions and this interactive monitor in the foyre that allows you read a few books including William Blake's notebook. If you're a student, or doing research, go. read more

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If I could give 10 stars I would. This is a fantastic place to visit. My wife loves libraries and we have visited a lot of them in a lot of different places from Sitka Alaska to Prague but I would put the British Library at the very top of the list. In reading some of the other reviews the authors mention viewing an original version of the Magna Carta in the same room as the original lyrics of a Beatles song by John Lennon. It's true!! Viewing so many original documents is overwhelming and gives a visceral sense of the history that many of us share. The Library has a fantastic tour which will take you around the library and show you things such as the reading rooms and stacks that you could not see on your own. This and the Globe Theatre are two of my favorite things in London. Neither are particularly crowded but when I suggest them many people look at me as if I had lost my mind. Be a contrarian and give the British Library a try. read more

Located on the Euston Road, the modern building of the British Library is somewhat overshadowed by the splendour of St Pancras station next door. Conceived in 1975 to replace the hopelessly inadequate facilities located at the British Museum site in Bloomsbury, it wasn't until 1997 that the building was completed. The building itself is a curious architectural mix: red-brick facades, sloping grey roofs and groups of projecting balconies give it a curiously retiring appearance for such a major public building: the overall effect is a bit like a fortified Tesco. But there's no denying the quality of its execution, and if the outside disappoints, the inside impresses, with a generous scale - open spaces, wide staircases, spacious reading rooms - that works rather better. Of course, it's the collection you're likely to want to see. As one of the world's largest libraries, together with its other sites, it holds some 150 million items and 25 million books, as well as manuscripts, theses, stamps - you name it. All on a staggering 625km of shelves. (Technically, this makes it the second largest in the world after the Library of Congress in the USA, although it actually has more items). The galleries have a mixture of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions: highlights of the former have to include Magna Carter (they actually have two copies dated 1215) and the magnificent illuminated Lindisfarne Gospels, dating from the turn of the 7th century. Items from abroad include the Diamond Sutra, (the world's oldest dated printed book - 868AD), two Gutenberg Bibles and manscripts by Mozart, Mahler and JS Bach, among others. The library is a good place to visit as, despite its treaures, it is not much visited by tourists compared with other museums, so you can take your time without being jostled. Of course, its major use is for research, and whatever your interest, its online collections are worth looking at. The web-site isn't that user-friendly, but persevere and the range of collections you can view is staggering (tens of millions of items). read more

I love the British Library. It's obviously a... library! But there's also exhibitions that run in the building too. Before I talk about that though, I'd recommend just wandering around outside and taking in the sculptures and serene courtyard. My friend worked here a few years back, she's librarian. And we'd often share a sandwich on the benches outside during her lunch break. There are many interesting exhibitions which run at The British Library. You can see a bit of art, learn about a different culture and see some really old manuscripts. This is a great place for a day out for any culture buff - highly recommended... read more

The British Library - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

I've spent many an hour here in the reading room while writing my dessertation. This extensive library is huge and every publication in the country has to send a copy to the British Library. So name it you will find it, unless someone else is not burried in it. They have an excellent system of requesting books for reference. Browse their computerised collection and request for your book. Each request tells you the time duration taken to get your book for eg. it may take 45 mins, some may take 3 hours, others may take 24/48 hours. So you end up saving time and can be organised. Also a printing and scanning facility is available in house on all floors. They have an excellent ground cafe and terrace cafe as well. I enjoy the upper level sit out especially when you want a clear breath of air after reading for hours and hours. read more

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Why are there so many too short reviews for this place? Because the reviewers haven't been here that's why. Seriously, scroll down, it's ridiculous 'You can read books here.' Very convincing. They now have free wifi, used to be £3 an hour, so there's an immediately helpful bit of info for anyone in living in the area with a laptop trying to save money during the credit crunch. There are also loads of powerpoints so you don't have to worry about battery. You have to apply to be a member, which allows you access to the reading rooms. You can't just walk in off the streets and think you can read the books. You certainly can't take any of the books out (as more than one review seems to imply). However, if you are in your local library and ask for a book that only the British Library has, they will send it out, which is how I read Means of Ascent by Robert Caro, the second of his LBJ biographies. The science rooms are very light and airy, with sofas and internet for checking databases for free science articles. The desks have free sockets for laptops, but staff will jump on you if any noise comes from those laptops. Lots of photocopiers in every room except the music room for obvious reasons. You buy a photocopier card, but copies are expensive (about 20p each). The literature reading room (that's not the exact name) is enormous, a kind of three storey atrium leading to high windows, and many wooden desks laid out beneath. I read the two unavailable Graham Greene novels here, The Name of Action and Rumour at nightfall, which he suppressed because he thought they were rubbish. The Name of Action is rubbish, but is interesting because of the amount of pages given over to overtly Catholic doubt and guilt. Rumour at Nightfall however, is brilliant, and deserves to be republished, describing as it does an encounter with a Hitler like dictator in a central european country and the man's downfall. It's certainly a lot better than later Greene novels. Also read a couple of BS Johnson novels, The Unfortunates and Travelling People. The Unfortunates was republished a few years ago, but stupidly without the newspaper match review stuck to it, rendering the whole novel set pointless. Travelling People is a very funny account of working in a country hotel and there is no reason why it should be out of print. The free bits of the library, the display of the codices and bibles, the first folios and the magna carta (carti? cartae?), take your breath away. They have a first gospel, a codex, from the 4th century! Possibly the oldest book in existence. The restaurant is alright, but not the best anywhere, and expensive. The cafe does jacket potatoes and if you time it right you might get an enormous one. if you have to eat i recommend the pizza express across the road. The terrace outside it very nice and allows you to spy on the large staff restaurant (basically the nice bit of the restaurant.) The toilets are on every floor and are huge and clean and free, and every toilet has a drinking fountain outside. read more

The British Library - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

I love this new building but as a place to do research,I much preferred the old site in Museum Street,Bloomsbury with the rotunda which you can still visit as part of the British Museum. You must hold a Reader's Card for the Library,which is easy to get Recently I was doing research & it was such an amazing experience to be holding the same ledgers & bound manuscripts that Richard Brinsley Sheridan also once held in the 18th century read more

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Blown away by their collection of some of the most prized written works in history. I came here for the Magna Carta. I didn't know I'd see the personal diary of Jane Austen, the works of Oscar Wilde, Beatles lyrics by Lennon and sacred religious texts just to names few! read more

It's so nice to see a new, (well 1990s era) public space and public institution that is impressive, comfortable, welcoming, functional and not all about shopping. It's not super impressive from the outside but once you go in you find a whole world of things -- the main and free exhibit with the Beatles and Shakespeare and bibles... don't miss the Magna Carta tucked into a side room. And it's the second largest research library in the world. On other floors are various reading rooms accessible with a reader's pass and a surprisingly good cafeteria. Scholars and students and tourists mingle and camp out at tables and seating throughout the building. Only the special (Harry Potter) exhibit cost money. read more

A really beautiful library that unfortunately the public does not have access to majority of it. The coolest part I saw was the rare books that have things such as some of the earliest text of the Bible, writings and manuscripts from Shakespeare and etc. It's nice to check out if you're in the area but a lot of sections of the library you need like a study pass of the sort so there's an actual reason for you being there. But it's an incredibly cool library beside the fact. read more

I'm reviewing the Library as a visitor, not a student or researcher. I'm sure a local, card-carrying member would have even higher praise for their material and how quiet it is. As for me, there a lot of areas off-limits to the tourist that I didn't get access to. That which I got to see was captivating and well worth the trip. I especially found their stamp collection (yes, STAMP collection) particularly amazing. read more

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British Library is the epitomy of the modern era's libraries. A true gem of London that you should visit either as a tourist for its excibitions or as a sophisticated Londoner seeking for a place of peace and reading. Excibitions change every now & then; some of them for free while others are ticketed. Below the astonishing building lies a huge selection of books, papers and magazines. Being regular here, it is the perfect place for reading and working on you laptop (as soon as you get the library readers' card). To find your desired book; order it online and just pick it up on your next visit. read more

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Yes, yes. The BL has every book ever published in England. Very impressive. But for several reasons, the BL loses points: 1. During the spring, the reading rooms are full of school kids who aren't actually working. They are actually checking facebook all day. This makes it impossible to find a seat to do actual research, if you are an actual researcher. I think there should be a special room for the school kids, that also has a creche or something in it. 2. I hate the smell of Humanities Reading Room 1. I don't know why. It could just be the smell of my life slipping away as I lose another day to my research. 3. I hate getting strip searched on the way out. And I hate it when the proctors come by and tell me that my lip salve isn't allowed in the reading rooms. If I promise not to smear it on the out of print books from the 1800s that I'm using, can I please keep it? Please??? 4. The food in the cafe is overpriced. 5. I hate having to plan in advance to read something that's stored off-site. Academics are notoriously flighty and scattered- how can you expect us to be able to plan our research in advance??? Still, for all my whining, they do have any book you could ever want to read. Pretty freaking cool. read more

Dear BL, I know our relationship is complicated. You have good hours, but aren't quite available enough for my liking. Plus there is the whole closed on Sunday thing, but I know you can't help your heritage. Sure, you could use a few more lockers and a few more electrical sockets outside the reading rooms, but who doesn't? What you do give me far outweighs the bad. You have nearly every book I could need and nobody can hog it for more than 3 days at a time. You have delicious cafes with overpriced but tasty treats. A gorgeous back patio for sunning when the weather is good. Comfortable carrells with a sense of "git er' done" without being too snooty. And hot men. Did I mention London's most attractive (and smartest?) men are all at the British Library? The only downside is that they can't talk to me because, well, you're a library. Thank you for being you. Never change (except please do change the aforementioned negative things). Love, Katherine B. read more

I realize that there are several reasons to visit the British Library. One might be the magnificent collection of 14 Million books (do they have every book that has been published in Britain?!), the research facilities (several reading rooms on 4 floors), or the ongoing exhibitions. You need a pass to enter the reading rooms, but there are also plenty of work spaces available in the building where you can use the free wifi (rarity in London) - just come in very early to secure a spot. The British Library also gives you the chance to "Adopt a Book" - a great idea to raise some money that helps to conserve the most precious books of their collection. read more

Come here for the Treasures Collection, and then pretty much leave because you need a reading pass to go to the library rooms. But the Treasures room is worth the price of admission (free) and more. You can see the Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, some original manuscripts from famous composers, a whole section dedicated to The Beatles, and tons more historically significant items. You could spend an hour or more just in this room, appreciating everything on display. I wanted to view some books, but there's a crazy application process, and you need to check all your stuff in the basement and only bring what you need in a clear, sealed plastic bag. At least there's a crazy optical illusion piece in the basement. read more

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Call me a geek but The British Library was hands down my favorite place that we visited in London. I could have stayed in the Treasures of the British Library gallery all day. I absolutely love illuminated manuscripts and other museums that I have been to normally have a few of them but never have I seen so many of them in one place. They also had several different works by Shakespeare including (if memory serves me) a really amazing First Folio. There are certainly many more gems to be found here...Beatles memorabilia, a Gutenberg Bible, historical documents such as the Magna Carta, and lot of other good stuff. I really cannot stress enough how worth it is to visit this gallery, I think about it quite often. I also was a fan of the gift shop, oddly enough. They had quite a nice selection of books to purchase, I picked up several of them. The only downer was that if you don't have a library card you have very limited access to the library. Aside from the Treasures of the British Library Gallery you really cannot do much else there. read more

I really have a gripe against the British Library as it feels so alien. As a student at UCL, I often have to venture further to find the texts for class. While I can access them at the BL, this is only slightly useful as books cannot be checked out. Not only can books not be checked out, but there are very strict rules to the reading rooms. You cant have lip balm, water, pens, etc. etc. These strict rules and the lack of any natural daylight make the reading rooms feel very claustrophobic. I understand that these strict rules are to protect the books. While the rare books should be protected, do all the books need to be treated like they would fall apart if you looked at them wrong. Why cant the BL work like any public library and allow people to have some freedom with the books. Therefore, I tend to attempt to source my books from other sources before turning to the BL. I will only visit the BL when I have exhausted all other resources. I am pretty sensitive to spaces so working in the BL is almost impossible for me and writing an essay without the actual text is pretty useless. Therefore, the intentions of the BL are amazing, but the execution leaves a lot lacking. read more

It's safe to say that I've had quite the love affairs with libraries. When I graduated from university, I yearned for my comfy undergrad library, only to discover the wonders of DC's Library of Congress (probably one of the few things I actually loved about that city). Now that I'm across the pond, I have fallen truly, madly and deeply in love with all things British Library. Fantastic exhibitions, both permanent and temporary (the current one on maps is fab!), the cafe (yes a bit overpriced), has all things deliciousness courtesy of Petyon and Byrne, and the reading rooms (though a far cry from the old-world dark wood paneled mustiness of the LOC) epitomize the word 'library.' Free WiFi all around, the aura of intellectuals and knowledge emanating from its walls (but void of pretentiousness) and the security staff tends to notice when you're a regular. I anticipate much quality time with the BL during this summer of dissertation writing and I'm quite looking forward to it. Love! read more

The museum room is filled with interesting and important objects (e.g., Beatles stuff, Magna Carta, early bibles, etc.). If you're nearby, check it out. read more

The British Library - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

Most travelers to London make it a point to see Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, The Tower of London, a musical or stage play, etc. I've been to the British Library on two of my trips to London and submit that it's a must-see for any lover of literature, music or history. If you have a few hours to spare then I highly recommend making a trip to the library and seeing the Sir John Ritblat Gallery. It's free and open seven days a week. Check through some of the other Yelp reviews and you'll likely see that some of these are already listed, but here's a short list of what is on display: Original or very old copies of Beowulf, a Gutenberg Bible, Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Thomas Malory's Le Morte Darthur (King Arthur) Captain Cook's journal, Jane Austen's History of England, Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures Under Ground, Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, Charles Dickens's Nicholas Nickleby, Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway and a room devoted solely to the Magna Carta. (I stole this from Wikipedia.org.) They have two original copies of the Magna Carta. That in of itself is worth the trip in my opinion. Some other highlights that come to mind are some Beatles' memorabilia, including a napkin that they used to write Yesterday on (if my memory is correct), Jane Austen's writing desk, original copies of compositions by Mozart and Handel, and a Gutenberg Bible. Did I mention that entrance to the exhibit is free of charge? Also, the two times that I've visited there were very few visitors to the exhibition, unlike the British Museum or the National Gallery (which are both great as well), so your visit is much less hurried and a bit more peaceful. The musuem is a fairly short walk from the Tube station and well worth a visit. read more

If you are in London and don't go to the British Library you should be punched in the face. It is an amazing repository of not just literature, but history. You can see the Magna Carta, the handwritten lyrics of The Beatles, The Lindisfarne Gospels, Medieval Maps, and they just secured St. Cuthbert's Gospel (Europe's oldest intact book). They have inspiring and intriguing rotating exhibitions as well as the permanent ones I just mentioned. So, avoid a face punching and go check out the British Library. Your mind will thank me as much as your unscathed smile. read more

I don't think you can do much better than the British library in terms of architecture, availabilitly of books and other rare material. But you don't have to go there just to read: there are some great exhibitions free to everyone throughout the year. This is the great thing about the British Library: anyone can enter its main hall have a wander around, take a look at an exhibition, have a coffee in its cafeteria, go up and down the swanky lift. They now do bag checks at the entrance just to make sure you're not carrying a bomb or something, but really it is simply a formality and once you're in, you feel like you are part of this beautiful building enjoying a great architectural and cultural experience. Even the toilets are memorable! If you then wish to read a book, you will have to be allowed inside one of the many reading rooms and for that you will need a library card. But do not let that deter you! Unlike the French national library (the BNF), the British Library is pretty much open to everyone as long as you have a valid reason to do research even if it's just working on your family tree so you don't need to be doing a Phd and carry out a long interview before being allowed in. Once you get the card it is valid for 5 years and you can come and go as you please. One thing I would not recommend though is eating or having coffee in the building's cafeteria. You will feel a little bit like at the airport, in short ripped off. You are better off going to a nearby café even if that means leaving the building for a minute. In the summer, you can get a nice panini from a nearby coffee place such as Albertini's and then enjoy it in the British Library's magnificent outside space with chairs and everything to keep you happy. Feel free to explore every single level. On the top level, you will find a small room, called The Cotton room and the Friends' Room (reserved for Friends of the British Library). In the Cotton Room you will find a coffee machine and another vending machine that sells yummy chocolate bars like Kit Kats. It's a great place to have a break that includes chocolate without spending too much and also it's usually a quiet spot for you to daydream before going back to your reading room. There's even a board with announcements often written by academics for academics. An incredibly pleasant place to work, walk, learn but also socialise. read more

free wifi, desks, intelligent people, fabulous knowledge, and the core deposit library in the UK. Brilliant. Wonderful. Loves it. The tea's not bad, either. read more

If you are a bibliophile/history geek, I highly suggest visiting the British Library. It was definitely on my itinerary, since wherever I visit a metropolitcan area, I make it a point to visit their library. It was also the perfect place to visit while waiting to check in to our nearby hotel. The courtyard is large and has that crazy statue of Newton, plus a little cafe and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the sun when it is out. There is also a cafe inside (I've left a review separately) and a nice gift shop full of books and souvenirs and gifts. The lobby is spacious and since it is a library, it wasn't too chaotic and a nice place to visit. The biggest thing to see is the exhibits room, where they have on display a lot of original pieces of important texts such as the Lindsfarne Gospels, first editions of books, and Magna Carter. The exhibit is free, but they do ask for a 2 pound donation. read more

Amongst the books of the British Library sits their 'Treasures Collection' - A permanent and free display of the BL's greatest treasures. There's over 200 amazing works to see that includes sacred texts and gold leafed haggadahs, early scientific drawings, Shakespeare's First Folio, Jane Austen's notepad and olde-worldey maps with Londinium on them. Despite the Gutenberg Bible and the Magna Carta on display, I liked the scrapbook of a suffragette who annotated receipts of hammers bought to cause havoc with cheeky comments. Avi's favourite was a letter from Micheangelo to his pa saying "I've finished the chapel I have been painting, I think the Pope likes it. P.S I haven't the means to come visit". read more

This is a review for the tours, which are given twice a day. While our guide was charming and full of entertaining anecdotes, I'm not sure I would recommend the tour unless you are a serious library-geek. Or a fan of Brutalist architecture. The tour does get you into several behind-the-scenes areas, but none of them are compelling to the general public. You might consider saving the £8 fee and putting it toward a snack in the cafe instead. The modern design of the building is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of affair (it's been compared to a factory, or the Titanic). But just about every visitor will find something amazing in the Ritblat Gallery (everything from the Magna Carta to the Beatles). The philatelic holdings are hidden away but fascinating. And the King's Library (the King being George III) is beautifully displayed in a glass-enclosed tower. I was taken aback by two things I learned on the tour. The wonderful: The King's Library is still part of the working library, and scholars can order books and pamphlets from its stately and priceless collection. The awful: They are uncompromising about the credentials needed to do research here. If you don't have the correct forms of ID, too bad for you. Our guide was oddly cheerful as he related how international scholars had been turned away (one of them in tears) because they didn't have the right kind of letter. Caveat lector. read more

This place is one of my go to relaxing places on my (few) days off... I love libraries, I love quiet zen places and the British Library doesn't beat around the bush. With ever changing exhibits outside the actual library and a huge library inside with super quiet and well lit reading rooms, it's kind of my version of paradise. I HIGHLY expect a library similar to this in my afterlife...wherever that may be. Satan...get on it :) I really love the online collections of Ph.D and Masters theses from all around Britain on their 'Ethos' system on their website. SO helpful, and helps my research a bit more as the BL actually doesn't have a HUGGE collection on women and identity politics...perhaps that's more of an American fascination... but they more than make up for it with this amazing feature. Most of the dissertations are free and take about 2 weeks to process. HIGHLY reccommend this feature! read more

The British Library saves my life when I'm trapped indoors on a rainy day. It's a great way to meet new people, access free internet and to treat your museum fix! I think this library is probably the best among libraries near the Angel & Camden boroughs. Although, the facility does not have a printing machine; the unique study spaces rock! My favourite study space is the cafe because you have access to a power source, tall chairs and tables that are comfortable and food is just a hop skip from your laptop. I like the security officers..not everyone gets through the door unlike some other resource centres. read more

I love everything books so was quite excited to come and have a nose. They had two exhibitions one free 'Alice in Wonderland' and the 'West Africa' one you had to pay for. I just had a wonder around and most my time went looking at the Philatelic exhibition- was really interesting. Great facilities- nice place to show the kids around. The shop had books for all ages. read more

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The cafe on the first floor (open to the public) has an unbelievably tasty self-serve vegetarian salad bar. Believe it. nom nom nom read more

We went to see the Treasures Collection and loved it. It is well laid out, and has an impressive collection of works, including the Gutenberg Bible, Magna Carta, original Beatles lyrics, musicL works by Mozart, Jane Austen's Persuasion, Sir Thomas More's Utopia, amongst many others. The large room itself is slightly cool and dimly lit (in order to preserve the works), so those with difficulty seeing or with young children may not enjoy it as much. But we enjoyed seeing these amazing works up close, with the added bonus that it was free! read more

I'm a sucker for books! Let it be known, my name is Josephine and I have had many love affairs... with books and the characters within. The feel of a book in my hands, dancing my fingers between the pages. The thrill of turning the thin sheets to reveal the end of a chapter - 'hark, whatever will happen next?' The British Library is home to some of the oldest, finest and most expensive books on the planet! There is so much I could say but really the BL, but it is best experiences, because it is, in it's an experience and not like any other library in London. An invaluable resource to any student, bookworm, amateur historian or a just lover of knowledge. There is always something going on, exhibits, events, and there is pretty much something for everybody. You'll find the normal library facility; study room, reference library etc, but one of the very special things that I thoroughly enjoy, are the wonderful people you meet there. Filled with more characters then you can shake a stick at! It's any wonder that I haven't moved in there. read more

I was surprised to find this is an actual working library and not just a place to store and displace priceless literary works. A few highlights from my trip to the British Library: -Magna Carta -a paper version of the Guttenberg Bible -hand written works of Joseph Conrad, Jane Austin, and (what is believed to be) William Shakespeare -a display dedicated to the Beatles And if you have a friend that's into books they have a great gift shop. read more