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Welcome to the British Library

We are the UK's national library. Open to everyone and free to use.

What do you want to do today?

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Events and exhibitions

An illustration for the Story Explorers exhibition at the British Library, including a montage of different elements, including two moons, a cat in a spaceship, two birds, a frog, a tree and stars.

Story Explorers: A journey through imaginary worlds

16 May 2025 – 18 January 2026

Take a free family trip through our collection and discover the stories behind objects, which take you to wondrous places. For children 0–9.

Exhibition

Secret Maps exhibition at the British Library.

Secret Maps

24 October 2025 – 18 January 2026

Step into the shadows at this major new exhibition revealing the stories hidden in some of history’s most mysterious maps.

Exhibition

Ezra collective playing at the British Library

All events

Discover exhibitions, events, and courses with a host of world-class speakers. In London, Yorkshire and online.

Latest updates

Planned online maintenance work this weekend

30 December 2025

Work is taking place from 22.00 on 3 January until 06.00 on 4 January.

British Library reader with laptop.

Introducing our new catalogues

15 December 2025

Our new main catalogue is here, as well as our interim Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue.

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We're a charity

By supporting us today you could help spark a child's lifelong love of learning. Set a student on a journey of discovery. Save a manuscript for future generations.

Together, we can open up our collection as a source of inspiration for everyone.

Close up of 14th-century charter

Contact us

Need some help? Find answers to common questions, chat with our customer services team, or send us feedback.

A young man talks to a woman in front of a computer screen at the Reading Room helpdesk in the British Library in London

Photo by Sam Walton

The British Library - the national Library of the UK