Although I was in London only for a vacation, I went to a library with my friend, who has a pass, and we found some interesting data about 18th century and we did fantastic research on Charles Darwin ... Btw, the cafe inside is increable :) read more

"Adopt a Book" is an innovative gift idea for book lovers, which led to my memorable behind the scene tour of BL's Centre for Conservation... One of the most significant collections of the Enlightenment - King's Library, a tall glass tower at the heart of the BL, initially drew me in. The surrounding space is perfect for individual work as well as small group discussions with free Wifi for the registered readers. A library goes beyond its physical presence and 25m book collections, from YouTube Channel (BIPCTV) to online exhibitions and virtual books. The exhibitions are worth seeing if you like museum type hanging out spot. In the summer, you can watch performances sitting on the plaza. I still vividly remember the South Indian dancers. For entrepreneurs, the library's business & IP centre is quite useful: seminars on various topics on market research, IP issues, networking sessions and leading entrepreneurs' talks - it's what it says, "Turn your idea into a success story." read more

So big, so impressive, so British! I visited the library for the first time this weekend to visit the Extraordinary Maps exhibition. From the outside it's bloody impressive, and inside it's as serene and appropriately stuffy as you'd want and expect! The Maps exhibition was really incredible. Just when I thought I'd taken it all in, I turned a corner to find another whole room of them. I don't know what the next exhibition will be, but I'll be checking it out fo sho. Was very happy to find a huge cloak and locker room too; Means you can build in an extra couple of hours before getting a train out of King's Cross or St Pancras. Perfect. read more

You guys. YOU GUYS! Yeah, it's a library, but there's a copy of the Magna Carta in here. And original Beatles lyrics, like "Hard Day's Night" written by John Lennon on the back of Julian's first birthday card. And a Gutenberg Bible. And a whole lot more. These treasures can be found in, appropriately, the "Treasures" room. This museum-quality collection is free to view and open to the public. Definitely make this a stop on your walking tour of London. Until October, there is also a really great exhibition on British Punk 1976-1978. It contains countless artifacts from nascent British punk, with a special focus on the Sex Pistols. There's even a small shop near the exhibit with a photo booth. It's a must-see for music gurus. read more

The British Library is big, has a certain wow factor and has a lot of books. Albeit they may not have them immediately to hand, but pre-order on-line and it is like having Amazon on tap without the cost. You cannot take books away, but you can photocopy the pages that you need. Do not even think of trying to sneak a book out, as the security in this place is tight. If you want to join, check online before coming so you bring the right i.d. I saw one guy with at least six i.d's get refused because he didn't have the ones on the list. If you are looking for a place to work, there is free wifi, and if you plonk yourself down or should I say studiously perch in one of the reading rooms, even though full of other people cramming in the knowledge, it is so quiet there is nothing else t do but get on with your work. A wonderful place with up to 14million books, journals etc.., at your disposal. Magnificent! read more

Free wi-fi, good (free) exhibitions, a historic library of books (though I have never quite figured out in all my time where to go see the vast array of books - i really should ask) and great spaces and cafes in which to work in. Used by adults and especially students this is a great place to visit and chill for an hour or two, whether that's on your laptop or just to explore. London is great at places like these and this is up there with the best. read more

See all

I swear it's not because I'm an American, but I really liked researching in the Library of Congress far more. Even the lesser reading rooms at the LOC are far grander, and the lesser rooms let you bring a camera. Here I had to harangue my way into using the overhead scanner to copy a public-domain document. Still, it was pretty cool to have done my research here. Getting the reader card was an easy experience, and the people in readers' services were far, far friendlier than their counterparts at the LOC. The amazing things they let you access for free - it's really like nothing else. The exhibits were as good as you'd expect, and the special exhibit they had up on Gothic literature and art was really wonderful. read more

This place is absolutely amazing! This is my first time here and I mainly came to study and get some work done. There are a couple of cafes and restaurants on the property if you need some fuel to get your work done. I was trying to beeline to the cafe to secure a table but I couldn't resist just taking a look at all of the interesting permanent and temporary exhibits the BL had to offer! This place is a must visit whether you are planning on studying or just wish to peruse around to learn a thing or two. It is the type of place that you can come back to time and time again and have an entirely new area to explore. I plan on coming here many more times...and bringing my friends and family too! read more

I traveled to London during my senior year of college to do research at the British Library for my senior thesis. From beginning to end, it was a great experience. Although the manuscript I requested had originally been assigned to me for two days, I arrived to discover that some unnamed person had pulled rank and stolen my second day slot. When I expressed dismay at this, the staff assured me that I would get a chance to see it again before I left, and I did. My experience at the British Library solidified my love of academia and independent research. While I wasn't taking frantic notes, I enjoyed the library's convenient (if overpriced) cafe, painless wifi access, and great public exhibits. While I was there, there was an interactive, multimedia exhibit on language running, and I spent a long time stopping at each station to listen to various regional accents and read old dialects. Since I had a student ID, and the manuscript I had requested did not require any additional letters of introduction, it was incredibly easy to get a library pass. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout. This was not at all what I expected after listening to years of my art historian mother's reading room stories. Hurray! read more

Perhaps one of the worst places to conduct research I have ever visited. Their online catalogue is an absolute mess. What should be straightforward is rendered incredibly difficult. I would recommend using an online database, visiting any university library, local library, local archive or the National Archive in Kew before heading here. If you need a book opt for inter library loans instead. The saving grace is the St Pancras site is free to enter and clean. Good for finding a place to sit or to use the toilets. Don't use for much else though. read more

Joining the British Library is like joining a cult. A big cult mind you, because this is one of London's worse kept secrets. The British library is the greatest gem that has ever been offered to students. After being deemed acceptable by the British Library staff and handed a trusty magic card, you will be able to explore the wonders and reading rooms of this magical building. Remember these golden rules and you will go a long way: no pens, be quiet, and never contradict security. With every text you could ever need, a nice handy cafe and an educational gallery space to boot, the British Library will be able to offer you everything you expected and more. read more

Going to my local library is one of those rare pleasures in life that I put off far too long. First, I needed a good excuse for going - not only for myself, but to justify a members ticket. In my case, evidence of specific study that needed the collections. Then I needed to organise myself - I have to request books a couple of days ahead of time, and plan accordingly. This has made me a disciplined student for once in my life, and thus it gets an extra star. The coffee shop isn't great price-wise but it tastes good and you can have glasses of milk for free and no one objects. The searches are annoying but sadly necessary, but the joys of finding my seat in humanities one at 6 for my post-work 2 hours make up for all this. Leaving stuff in the cloakroom is a pain - to speed things up, put stuff in a clear plastic bag before in laptop bag, and don't carry things that could conceal a book being lifted. All in all, positive experience. read more

Want to experience rigorous security on par with Alcatraz? Then visit the British Library. I'm not kidding, this place is more difficult to get into than Mahiki when the banal young royals are in attendance. But unlike Mahiki, once you gain entry the British Library is astonishing. I visited the library on a regular basis while writing my undergraduate dissertation and really could not have done the obscure subject I elected to write about justice without the British Library's all-encompassing collection of texts. Just be prepared to check your bag and all of your outerwear in if you wish to use a reading room. Also be prepared to put anything you wish to take into the reading room in a transparent bag so that security may check you on the way in and out. Pens are banned, iPods are frowned upon and laptops must be opened and presented to security when leaving the library. Other than that The British Library is a national treasure and undoubtedly one of the most inspiring and peaceful places in the capital to get your study done. read more

There are not enough words in the English Language for me to describe how much I love the British Library. It truly is a wonderful place. If you get as excited about books as I do, then you'll be amazed at the fact that EVERY book ever published is there!!! I still get excited thinking about it now! That said they also have some great events on. Just this week I went to see a film there (which was free) and afterwards there was a Q&A with the director and actors! I really can't recommend the BL enough. Go go go. read more

Woohoo for this institution of learning! It's easy to register and find your way around the building and reading rooms. Remember to bring £1 for your locker (refundable at the end) and pack a lunch - the food is on the expensive side. Also, be aware that you need to bring your own pencils, they don't have extra for you. Happy reading! read more

Love love love this place. As a part-time freelance writer, this is an inspiring place to work. The British Library houses a ridiculous number of priceless works, maps, and other written gems. There's one main exhibition area where you'll find a copy of the Magna Carta, original song lyrics written by John Lennon, an original Gutenberg bible, and many many many many other fantastic literary artefacts. The rest of the library is pretty much an archive of rare and historically significant books. There's a cafe on the 1st floor that serves a fantastic Victoria sponge and good coffee. The wi-fi is free and stable (yay!). The library is right next to King's Cross Station, which, unfortunately for me, is a wee bit of a trek, but it's totally worth it. If you want to visit to work, avoid the weekend as it gets crowded (and loud, sadly). The weekdays are generally more subdued, though you get the odd group of students visiting and they can sort of disrupt things. read more

Not used the the Sunday hours and early hours the UK has that we in the US don't, we showed up here near closing time. However, it was one of the most pleasant surprises of my trip to London (who knew these treasures would be freely accessible in a library?!). The entrance is a lovely, open air, well-lit space instantly letting you feel some calm amidst the hustle and bustle of busy London. I only had time to visit the Treasure Room and I loved it. The had old writings, drawings, from Michelangelo, Leonardo, hand-written songs by the Beatles, old letters from/to Churchill, ancient Bibles and religious cannon, etc. If you're a history buff, you'll love this place. (No photography/video recording in the Treasure Room) read more

The British Library - Entryway - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

See all

Unbelievable how many fascinating and important documents are held in this one building. From Mozart manuscripts to illuminated bibles to Jane Austen to Beatles lyrics scribbled on cards, the collection of British treasures is just fantastic and completely worth a visit. Plus, it's free! Another highlight is the open book storage, making visible levels and levels of bookshelves holding beautiful bound texts. Not to mention the British Library as a research institution! Great place. read more

"We hold 14 million books, 920,000 journal and newspaper titles, 58 million patents, 3 million sound recordings, and so much more" The British Library defies the notion that you get nothing for nothing these days. This unbelievable space, filled with everything your imagination could possibly dream of is all free and available. If there are 14 million books, contemplate how many words are contained within. How many ideas and concepts, expressed and hidden fill the huge reading rooms. What a resource, a true luxury that I can never take for granted. This for me is one of the reasons I love belonging to this crazy, mixed up western civilization. read more

By heck, I remember watching the unveiling of this library on Blue Peter. The complete collection of all the books held published in Britain used to be held in the British Museum, but the collection go too big, inevitable really. The building is the epitome of pomo - where exactly is the entrance. It's pretty hard to get in there, but once you do it gets a lot better. A lot of my friends studied and wrote their dissertations in the reading rooms and everyone says it's really good for getting any book you want.There ares some classification problems, however, engineering is put under the social sciences section. Quoi? I went there to see their "Taking Liberties" and '1968: A Year of Revolution" exhibition just to be different. They have the Magna Carta and quite a lot of interesting sculptures like a moving 3D library and huge bronze book in the entrance hall. So it's a good place, serves a purpose and is educational. Take the kids, make them learn. read more

The special exhibits here are always the best. The curators are exceptional. Ending sept 19th 2010 is the "magnificent maps" http://www.bl.uk/magnificentmaps/map2.html A must see and it's free! read more

Since I am a librarian, I go to the library of any major city I visit. The British Library was just as amazing as I thought it would be. Highlights were the magna carta, many original handwritten manuscripts and illustrations, and original handwritten Beatles lyrics! Great gift shop. I could have spent much more time there, but I was only in London for a quick visit so my husband whisked me away. I plan on going back! Free wifi was great since I can't use my US smartphone in the UK! read more

Get yourself a readers' pass and the world is your oyster. Free wifi. Access to over 14,000,000 items and more! Put simply, there isn't a better place to study in the UK! Wonderful resources and great atmosphere in which to work. Free water dispensers, free lockers, free cloakroom, everything a budding student could desire. read more

I've visited the British Library just the once and quite recently - to see the Taking Liberties exhibition. Walking in through the grand entrance under the watchful eye of Eduardo Paolozzi's Isaac Newton sculpture I felt a little thrill of excitement at the thought of the scholars, artists and generally clever people that have frequented this fine institution over the 36 years it's been running. I tend to favour ary galleries rather than museum-style exhibitions, though, and it had been a while since I'd set foot in one, so I can be forgiven for my initial dismay at the amount I was expected to read! The content was laid out quite nicely but was pretty dimly lit so much squinting was required to read the often dry pages of information on past kings, the movements of the British army and suchlike. A good point was the interactive element - voting booths dotted at regular intervals to ask pertinent questions of the visitors and get their opinions on some wide ranging subjects relating to our civil liberties. But bad points included a disappointingly small section dedicated to the women's suffrage movement and little or no reference to the drastic change in our civil liberties under the leadership of Tony Blair. I'd be interested to visit again and see some of the other resources the British Library offers, especialy the Business & IP Centre. I have a feeling places like this go largely unused by the very people who could get the most out of it, so it's definitely deserving of a bit more research on my part. read more

Everyone loves the British Library, don't they? Well, apparently everyone except me. It just doesn't wow me. I've enjoyed some exhibitions here, and I love love love books and libraries in general, but this one doesn't do it for me. Granted, I'm basing this on the fact that I can never get their wifi to work, and I don't much like their cafe, but the staff aren't able to help with anything, and the little tiny workstations are a little pointless to me. I've never ever been able to work here. I wish I liked it here, but it just doesn't work for me. I understand why people like it, and I'm sure if I ever need to use it for research I'll change my views, but it's bland, and not very exciting. I'll be in the Wellcome Collection down the road instead. read more

Earlier reviewers have very well described the British Library, but I wanted to add my appreciation. The permanent (but rotating) exhibit of important and historic print material is fascinating. Where else could you possibly see a range of materials like a score of Handel's Messiah, hand-written Beatles lyrics, the Magna Carta, Lady Jane Gray's prayer book, letters written by Elizabeth I, etc., etc.?! It's a very inspiring spot. There are not many tourists here, so you can take your time and enjoy the exhibit. Additionally, it's free! I also do research herethe reading rooms are gorgeous, and the available collections extremely wide-ranging. The staff is generally helpful, too. I love working here. read more

The british Library is the biggest and best library in the UK. It is full of rare books, which are accessible for research at the library, but cannot for obvious reasons be taken out. It is one of the largest libraries in the world and holds around 25 million books or all different shapes, sizes and topics. It is located on the Euston road and was erfurbished a number of years ago... It is actually next to St Pancras station. If you visit a local library and cannot find a book, the British library will either have the book or be able to order it. Anything published in the UK or Ireland is accessible to the British library and it is even possible to attend a guided tour of the facilities. Let's just say that it is unlike any other library I have ever visited. For more information, have a look at their website for opening hours,etc: http://www.bl.uk/ read more

I love this building, its so open and bright, much better than the old place, which was in the British Museum. I know these buildings better than most as I work in the British Library, so I know the conditions the books were kept in and the vastly superior conditions they are in now. This means that they will be around for generations to peruse. read more

See all

What an ace place. If you like books, a quiet place to work and some general weirdness, that is. So, it's a library, so there are a lot of books here - but there isn't just that. There are workstations, exhabitions and one area, which looked like (deep booming American voice) "The Office Of The FUTURE....!" (seriously, six monitors, everything was white and tochscreeny - it lloked like Steve Jobs's bathroom) It's not the kind of library you can go in and find the large print copy of a Jilly Cooper - but you've got your local library for that. the ehibition at the time I went was on Sci - Fi - one of my fave things, and it was cool to see sci fi lit given some respectable props. The 'Treasures of...' exhabition was also ace - lovely to see ancient manuscrips and writers notbooks. Probabaly awesome if you wanna get soem work done, and generally good for a visit. read more

One of my favorite study/work places. Home to the Magna Carta, original notes of Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo, song lyrics from the Beatles, the earliest manuscript of the New Testament. Best of all, plenty of seats and outlets (if you come early and grab a table by the wall). Soak up the history and culture while reading and getting work done. The cafe is on the 1st level and the restaurant is on the 2nd. There are lots of specialized reading/research rooms but those will require special (but free) permits booked in advance. Also come in with the expectation that this isn't your typical library where you can just touch and browse the books. Normally open until 6pm (5pm on weekends), they close especially late on Tuesdays at 8pm. Closest tube station is St Pancras. read more

I'll admit to only having done the special exhibits at the British Library; I've not needed to do any research there in the main collections. But the special items are certainly worth a visit, not least because it's free to do so. I've gone a few times, and I've always been wowed by their Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible, the Sinaiticus Codex, original lyrics from The Beatles, and the last written words of Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Not everyone is fascinated by wandering around a large, dimly-lit room staring at scraps of ancient papyrus through glass, but I am. Last year's temporary exhibit, Sacred, was incredibly good. It was a really informative and inspiring presentation of religious texts from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Keep an eye out for special events like this, because they really go all out. The British Library may not be on your visiting friends' must-see list, but you owe it to them to suggest it. read more

Love this place, could spend a lifetime here and not find all its treasures. A place to visit time and again. Good facilities, cloakroom, disabled access, shop. read more

I often come here when I am due to meet someone for a good chat or want to get some work done, as this is a perfect space for relaxing, focusing and being inspired by all the thinking and doing energy that surrounds the place. The cafe provides the basics and there is always lots of competition for the tables that surround it, especially the BOOTHS - which are ace. Wi-fi is for free and if you need a breather, you can escape to the courtyard. read more

Music with the best of the 80s and Revision! Come on!!!!! #amgonnamakeit #Godisgood #faithworks #focus read more

The British Library - 80s and study is as good as Espresso to keep me wired in a perfect place like this! - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

We had a really good look around the Sir John Ritblat Gallery, which holds such treasures as various incarnations of Alice In Wonderland (including one version in Short Hand, and one version sponsored by Guinness (yes, the beer), what the hell?), some original sketchbooks from Mozart, an enormous folio of Birds of America (the illustrations are LIFE SIZE and the paper used was called double Elephant size), Captain Scott (of the Antarctics)'s diary and various gorgeous illuminated religious texts (various religions). This gallery also holds some audio players, some with music, playing the scores they have on display, and some with extracts of books, being read. I listened to James Joyce reading a bit of Finnegan's Wake (completely incomprehensible) and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland being read by Alan Bennett. Who the hell thought that one up?! read more

The British Library - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

See all

One reviewer called the British Library a book needs wet dream. What more can be said. If you are a bibliophile or a history buff, this is a must see. It is recommended you give a donation but it is not required. Be prepared to possibly have your bags searched but this is not any more intrusive than elsewhere. However, they could do a full body cavity search and it would still be worth it! read more

The British Library - Printing press. - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL

This is my favorite place in London. Maybe that's an exaggeration but I love the intimacy of the library. There's a food court where you see a mix of local Brits and tourists hanging out. I'm moved by the actual handwriting of historic figures like Jane Austin, George Eliot or even, Michelangelo. The library piqued my interest in old Illuminated manuscripts. Without these manuscripts, literacy as we know it today may have been lost, since language is an oral tradition and not really meant to be written down. The artists of these manuscripts were largely female, painting on velum or parchment. There are so many intellectually quirky things to see here, if you love history or humanity, you'll cherish this gem. I could visit every day and still learn something new. read more

I think the British Library is a wonderful haven in London. Before you even step foot in the library itself take time to sit outside and look at the sculputes (not least the wonderful Newton). There's even a small cafe outside. It is a good place to just sit back and look at the sky for a moment (admittedly you don't want to look at the building too much as it is rather grim). Inside it is light, airy and no, not fusty. The staff are exceptionally helpful. Such a huge expanse can be daunting but they a re wonderful at guiding you to where you need to be. If you are going for just a general cosy it is very comfortable. The temporary and permanent displays are always well laid out and well labelled. It is quite awe inspiring to have these manuscripts in front of you whether the hand written letters of Shakespear or lyrics by John Lennon. It is a place where you feel you can connect with history without it feeling nerdy! It is a place where,as a tourist, the pace slows down - go with it. The cafe is very nice and they do a good, well priced English breakfast if you are an early bird otherwise pig out on the pastries! The gift shop is well stocked and actually smaller than you would imagine. A bookworms heaven it is a great place for gift shopping for keen readers with some fabulous quirky books and accessories. Don't dismiss this place off your tourist trail as somewhere functional and fusty, it is well worth your time. read more

This place is awesome. The "Treasures of the British Library" is full of fascinating, often mind-blowing artifacts of human history, that are given surprisingly casual descriptions that typically read like: This fifth century book, the Codex Alexandrinus, is the third oldest surviving manuscript containing the entire text of the Bible. It is surpassed in importance and age only by the Codex Vaticanus (in Rome) and the Codex Sinaiticus (seen here, to the left). Definitely underpriced (being free) and a must-see for bibliophiles in London. No photography allowed, unfortunately. read more

Beautiful building, love its architecture and natural lighting. It is about books and tonnes of much more. Do not miss it!!! read more

The British Library - Libraries Near Me - London, XGL