The British Library in Camden

Admission to the British Library is free, and free wireless Internet access is available. There are charging plugs near many desks in the reading area. There are seats in the reading area from the ground floor to the second floor, so there are many choices. It is located near the underground King’s Cross St Pancras station, about 3-5 minutes’ walk away. It is easy to find and convenient. If you want to find a place to work, the environment is quiet and nice. The only thing to note is that there are a lot of people occupying the desks in the reading area. If you want to sit in the ideal seat, it is recommended to enter early.

Such a shame that they no longer have Austen's manuscripts on display. There is only one of her letters. 😭

I visited the library's treasury with collection of interesting old book, letters and literary artifacts. It was interesting but many objects were absent due to maintenance.

To put it politely, the information desk gives one the impression that they do not wish to be bothered.

It's so huge that in Japan the National Diet Library might be close, but I don't think the exhibition rooms can come close. It's free, and there are clean restrooms, so it's a great value.

It has a nice atmosphere and you need a library card to enter some rooms. The staff there were very friendly and helpful and created my registration. Thank you.

Interesting place to spend a peaceful time reading. Good to see the free museum pieces such as the Magna Carta, original Beatles lyrics, Shakespeare items etc but many of the items were removed from display when I visited recently. Nice little cafe and bookshop too.

Top class space to have a breather

Good spot to explore do work orcstudy

I had a very unpleasant experience at the main shop today. The price tag on a scarf I went to buy was showing £50, but the two ladies at the till (one of them, short and grey hair, rather hostile lady, and I believe she was the manager), said the price on the system was £55, and that it was a human mistake - the tag showing £50 - and there was nothing she could or would do. I left with a bitter taste in my mouth. The lady lacks customer service skills, she was so rude and petulant. All I said was that as an act of good will they should have honoured the price that was advertised. Shambles! Provide your staff with some training British Library!!

large place with an impressive selection of information. If it's your first time, you need to come with an ID and a document stating your residential address to register,then u receive a card , it is prepared on site with this card you can enter the book areas. All the employees are very nice. I spent most of my time in the press section and my impression was very positive. Everything is organized and open to the public. If you want to view some of the books, you need to order them in advance, it is recommended two days in advance. You can check the library catalog online to see if the books are available and order them in advance. Following a cyber attack on the library in October 2023, it is not possible to send the information to your email. You can picture with your phone.

The library is huge, but be careful—some spots have very bad WiFi. Also, how is it possible that the reading rooms are only open on Saturdays on the weekend until 5 PM and completely closed on Sundays? All that space just sitting unused—what a joke for such a massive library. They need to do better but otherwise all good

A fantastic free resource, a national gem.

Fantastic space and interesting free exhibitions.

I went to register for a reading pass today at The British library. As I was queuing to register for my pass, an orthodox jewish man was queuing behind me who had lost his pass but his identity was know to the staff because they acknowleged they recognised him and had him on their data base. He simply wanted to get a replacement pass. He was asked for proof of address, which he didn't have as, as an orthodox jew it is rare to have this type of document, aside from maybe a gp letter with an address on ( which the library staff did not ask for ). A gentlemen they mentioned to him that he coukd show a bill on his mobile phone, when it is welllnown that orthodox jews do not use or carry phones with internet on them as this does not adhere to jewish law for jews unless authorised by a rabbi in exceptional circumstances ! They would not allow him access to the reading rooms but then decided they would allow him access ! This was a totally humiliating process for this gentlemen to go through as other people were observing him and staring due to all the fuss from staff around such a simple issue ! As a conservative jew myself, I found this disgusting especially in the times we live in ! Everyone should be made to feel equal and inclusive in society and have respect for each other in every circumstance that occurs not matter the religion or ethinicity ! Kindly educate or retrain your staff accordingly on how to show respect and inclusivety for other religions and cultures ! Furthermore, the restriction on not being able to take medications prescribed by the nhs into a reading room is ridiculous ! Why does taking in an asthma inhaler, or epi pen require a security check ???!!!

The British Library in King’s Cross is a world-class institution, home to an incredible collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents. With its stunning architecture, quiet study spaces, and fascinating exhibitions, it’s a haven for researchers, students, and history lovers. The on-site café and bookshop add to the experience, making it a must-visit cultural landmark in London.

A great experience at the British library visit the treasures of the library. The studying areas are only accessible for card holders. You can get a card for free if you have your ID or passport, card issuing doesn’t take long.

A quick look at the copy of Magnacarta and a free internet point.

Visited on a Sunday , went to upper ground cafe , purchased lunch but there was nowhere to sit and eat as all the benches were taken up by students studying online , none of which were eating and drinking surely a couple of tables should be reserved for people to sit and eat purchased food - that is the primary purpose of a cafe !

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | The British Library: A Treasure Trove for Entrepreneurs and Bibliophiles Alike Ah, The British Library at King’s Cross - a recent discovery that’s quickly become a personal favourite. Beyond its impressive architecture and serene reading rooms, this institution offers a wealth of resources, especially for budding entrepreneurs. The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) is a standout feature. Located on the first floor, this centre provides free access to over 20 databases, covering market research, company information, and more. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to start or grow a business. The BIPC also hosts a variety of free business events, workshops, and one-on-one sessions with experts, facilitating both learning and networking opportunities.  The library’s facilities are top-notch. The on-site restaurant offers a delightful selection of meals, and there are numerous coffee bars scattered throughout, perfect for a quick caffeine boost. Ample seating areas provide comfortable spaces to work, read, or simply relax. For those embarking on a business journey, the British Library is an indispensable asset. Its combination of extensive resources, expert guidance, and a conducive environment makes it a must-visit. Note: The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) is located on Floor 1 of the British Library’s St Pancras site. 

I like this place! Its so beautiful and the peoples there are awesome

Exhibition about Medieval women. Very interesting but too much! And rather crowded, of course. Finishes soon. Excellent bookshop (of course!)

My favorite is the statue of Isaac Newton, squatting at the door to symbolize Newton's persistent scientific spirit guarding this library. It is a paradise for book lovers! The British Library itself is an architectural masterpiece. What is amazing is that there is a huge glass bookcase in the center of the library. I think it is designed to protect precious cultural relics, ancient paper books, documents, and manuscripts from dust, moisture, light, and other environmental factors. The large collection of literary artifacts and books and the peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place for students to read and study. When I entered, I saw students from all over the world filling every reading table. I was envious of the young students who were lost in the lovely world of books.

Curt, bordering on openly rude member of staff at the silk road exhibition. The exhibition was good, but the poor customer service makes me reconsider visiting again.

Stamp collection and architecture is beautiful

Fantastic place of learning, culture and many books with a few coffee ☕ shops plus a nice restaurant. Well worth a visit... 😉👍✔️🙏

Excellent temporary exhibition on the Silk Road. Good lockers and cloakroom.

If you're younger than 18 you are not allowed access to any books rare, or non-rare. Very upsetting experience and I'm more disappointed than anything.

Awful staff. I visited the library for the temporary exhibitions Medieval Women and Silk Road Oasis, for which bundle tickets were available (which we bought from an unfriendly person at the counter). The bundle allows for the booking of a time slot for entry for Medieval Women only, whereas Silk Road Oasis is walk-in at any time (no option to book a specific time slot). My family and I were then stopped by a staff member when trying to enter Silk Roads first in a very rude and extremely unhelpful manner, and told to refer to the ticketing counter for clarification. Back at the ticketing counter another staff member said the exhibition was sold out for that day and there was no way that I could still enter, even though I already bought tickets. She refused to understand I had already bought tickets and simply needed clarification on why I was not allowed inside the Silk Road Oasis exhibition. She made many rude gestures, pointing at her head with both hands, insinuating I was crazy and dumb for "failing" to understand the exhibition was sold out. She then sent me away and also looked to other patrons for approval, which was even more insulting. Her behaviour was extremely inappropriate and unbefitting a public organisation. In the end, the situation was only resolved because I persisted with trying to enter the exhibition yet again, and finally encountered a helpful, understanding, reasonable staff member who swiftly allowed us to enter. I never write bad reviews, but this must have been the worst experience with museum/library staff I have ever had. The exhibitions were nice, but the awful, awful, awful behaviour of multiple staff members left a bad aftertaste.

great place for getting work done. if you give them valid ID and proof of address you can get a reader's pass for free, which lets you work in far quieter bits of the library and guarantees you a charging socket and a table, which is a problem elsewhere in the building as it gets very busy most days with students and the like. Cafés inside also very good

Visited the small free exhibition and the shops!

The smell of books exudes a rich cultural atmosphere.

I was a bit annoyed to see that despite ticket slots selling out (tickets seeming capped at a sensible level), Medieval Women: In Their Own Words was oversold/its entry (and exit) times were not being monitored. It was absolutely rammed. A snail-pace queue formed, maybe partly due to the exhibition’s linear format, and trailed around the entire space. We were at this relatively small exhibition for about 2 hours and I think we saw maybe half of it, and even then it felt like we could only look quickly due to the pressing line behind us. I’d have liked to have had the time to try to read the women’s writings in their own words, rather than having to clip through the placards in a hurry. People kept pushing in and standing smack in front of the artefacts, no doubt impatient to see them but infuriating nonetheless given the queue. A range of women’s stories are represented from different cultures in Europe. Heartfelt work blighted by the ticket management.

It's worth a visit if you like books as much as many other museums and art galleries. In particular, the treasures in the exhibition room on the first floor feel like discovering a real treasure when you see the handwriting or original work of a famous writer. The King George Library surrounding the center of the library also seems like a golden tower of books. It was a shame that I couldn't see the Newton statue outside because it was under construction, but I'll leave it as a memory of my time in England. Panterras Station is right next to it, so it would be nice to see Harry Potter Platform 9 and 3/4 as well.

The Library itself is a world renowned institution that is a must visit. If you're just passing or have a need to study, this is the place for you. A good cafe & separate restaurant inside are very popular & the outside plaza is a hive of action the summer. The exhibitions that the BL put on are excellent and always informative. You will need a Reading Room ticket for the main section. Very easy to find too, next to St Pancreas Railway Station.

Had an excellent time yet again exploring this Museum.

Free to enter and pretty big. Worth checking out

Cafe was OK but almost no seats with students working and not eating or drinking.....won't go again...

I loved the place and the collection of rare books like Shakespeare or magna carta. I would love the information point to be more helpful however. I had to find out what to do from different places. Also the daily library was cancelled because there was a private booking... and there wasn't enough guides... so basically whoever pays more wins. Also to get to any reading rooms you must have a library card. If you live in the UK you need a driving licence, otherwise an ID and proof of address is needed. It's really nice and quiet in the reading rooms.

As a regular READING ROOMS user, I don’t get the level of chatter coming out of the staff. Right now, the security guy is - very loudly - discussing the ins and outs of his medical schedule, swellings and scars with someone over the phone. Earlier this morning, also in Maps, the security guys were chatting about nothing and everything in proper loud voices, while we customers kept our side of the bargain by keeping it down and attempting to get on with our work. Totally unacceptable. Needing training?

The free collection here is amazing! So many fascinating manuscripts, books, and even sheet music and other relics. My personal favorites were the codex sinaiticus and an original Tyndale Bible. Other highlights for me were Alan Turings notes, original Monty Python scripts, and Mozart sheet music.

Free admission and free to sign up for a reader’s card and access to their materials. Spaces for studying/working but it does get busy

Centre of my universe, what more can i say. Only the library of congress comes anywhere close, but the city of washington DC can't compare with London.

Some amazing historical documents

Incredible visit to the Medieval Women exhibition. Curated to perfection, just a Wonderful and informative collection and rare pieces that made it a Once in a lifetime experience. Thank you.

Went there for studying a whole day. Good space. Charging point. Slow wifi though. Close to Euston station. Historic books.

Certainly, here's a draft for your one-star review: I was very disappointed with my visit to the British Library. One of the displays emphasizes the importance of diversity and treating every visitor equally, but my experience was the complete opposite. I felt unwelcome, and one of the receptionists near the exhibit was rude. Additionally, a guard near the reading room treated me poorly, making the visit feel uncomfortable and uninviting. For a place that claims to value diversity and respect, my experienced left much to be desired.

Silk Road exhibition, small room, not many exhibits most or all borrowed from the British Museum. Interesting but disappointing as too small to warrant visiting. The library was also underwhelming, public areas uninteresting, all desks and seating utilised by home workers.I guess u need to be a fully paid up member to access or see any of the books. One monster glass encased book case in the centre. Some collections of stamps.

It's 1 degree today but we're not allow to wear coat into the 1F Humanities reading room cuz they want to avoid us stealing references out, nonsense.

Went visit two exhibitions, The Silk Road and Medieval Women. Both enthralling in different ways and well presented. Took a good hour to look around The Silk Road Exhibition and over two hours visiting Medieval Women.

Took my daughter for a small visit here. Read a book to her. There is place to seat and study as well. It was a huge inspiration for my budding writer career.

A must visit for religious history lovers!

The closest tube station is King's Cross St Pancras. Take Euston Road Exit and walk about 5 minutes to The British Library main entrance. When you enter the building from piazza there is a security check before they let you in. In the main hall you will find a gift shop, a cafe (meeting point) and a bookshop. There is also an information desk on the ground floor and the Reader Registration Office where you can get a British Library Card for research, inspiration and enjoyment for free of charge. It is valid for a year. Receptionist and customer service staff are very kind and helpful. You can find Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre and the locker room on -1 floor where you can leave all your belongings that you can not take with you to the reading rooms. A reusable bag for life is provided for free. There are lifts and toilets on each floor. Newsroom is on the second floor. Please note that they currently have no scanning or printing facilities, however you may use your own device to take photographs of articles required. When you have registered on their new Reader Registration Service, you are able to go online and order requested items yourself using the British Library new pre-ordering service. You do this by going to their online catalogue and searching for the item you require and then you can fill in the online order form from that page (see where it says this request form in the Orange section at https://bll01.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma990112822720100000&context=L&vid=44BL_INST:BLL01&lang=en&search_scope=Not_BL_Suppress&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=LibraryCatalog&query=any,contains,raceform%20update&offset=0 ) or you can go straight to the online order form at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=t0ykIcP5AE-a-r0ejoi82YiDLO516VNOuxJlaVW-7AxUQlZTMlZNSDdNOTVBSzdYM0s2MUZYRFVRMCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl and fill in all the required details for each item that you want to order. I hope that this helps you to complete the orders for the items yourself remotely from home. You will then receive an Acceptance / rejection email (your order will be rejected if the information that you input into the order form does not match EXACTLY with the details that you gave when registering with them. Alternatively customer services can order items on your behalf customer@bl.uk I wish you all the best and Happy reading!

A nice place to spend the day revising, snack on site for lunch. Free visit for tourists

Nice place to read and visit the Tresaures Gallery which contains editions of rare and important items, like the Magna Carta.

Without a certificate, it would be like a relatively high-end Louisa room where everyone just reads.

A nice place. Good for tourist to have a quick rest and refresh.

Not a public library, you’ll need to pre register and prove to them your research needs…

Interesting place like a museum

Went for both ‘A Silk Road Oasis’ and ‘Medieval Women’ exhibition. The Life in ancient Dunhuang is fascinating. With a lot of Buddhist Scriptures and ancient documents/ some early woodblock prints. The Medieval women exhibition was interesting and inspiring, to learn what women have achieved despite all the challenges. Lovely space. Nearest Tube stations- King’s Cross, Euston and Euston Square. Cloakroom- available Cafe - available Toilet - available

There are bronze and stone statues, but since the University of London is nearby, it seems that there are also students in the library! There are some areas you can't enter without a pass, but you can enjoy it!

Jane Austen fans be alert- the Treasure’s Room is no-go during a renovation despite the website saying it’s open. Would be 5⭐️if the website has current info.

A very unwelcoming place for a senior No access to collections for a visitor at all Tours booked out and only online. Restaurant closed at 3 despite library allegedly open to 8 Welcome to Britain!

The British Library is a book lover's paradise! Stunning architecture, vast collections, and a peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot for research, reading, or simply getting lost in the world of books. Highly recommend!

The British Library holds a collection of post-1949 Chinese propaganda posters. The golden cudgel 金棍子/千鈞棒 In the backdrop of Soviet revisionism on cult of personality proposed by Nikita Khrushchev in 1956, the eastern bloc was pounded by internal and external criticism. In such a state of peril for the Comintern, the great helmsman Mao Zedong aspired to a defiant monkey spirit in the endeavours to subvert the heavenly court/bureaucracy and vanquish the devil (e.g. ‘this beating shall save your deluded soul’ 妖怪，吃俺老孫一棒) drawn from the novel Journey to the West authored by Wu Cheng’en from late-Ming dynasty. References to the golden cudgel originated from the weapon (the wishful cudgel 如意金箍棒) under the possession of the Monkey King/Sun Wukong 孫悟空. ‘Reply to Comrade Kuo Mo-jo: Inscription on a Picture Taken by Comrade Li Chin’ 《七律·和郭沫若同志》was composed by Mao on 17 November 1961. ‘…The Golden Monkey wrathfully swung his massive cudgel, And the jade-like firmament was cleared of dust. Today, a miasmal mist once more rising, We hail Sun Wu-kung, the wonder-worker’ (Barmé 2017: para. 6). A member of the Gang of Four (Jiang Qing, Wang Hongwen and Zhang Chunqiao), literary critic Yao Wenyuan was nicknamed ‘the golden cudgel’ (I & Cheng 1983). The golden cudgel also refers to the Red Guard periodical Qian jun bang/Ch’ien chun pang 千鈞棒 (literal translation: a thousand cudgel) that was listed under No.46 in the 1967 Red Guard publication catalogue, along with Chun ti yuan tsung pu (軍體院總部) and hua shih hung chi (華師紅旗刊) (Barnes 2020; Red Guard publications 1979; Wang 2003). Armed revolution During the Cultural Revolution, there existed a radical shift toward the concept of violence espoused by communist authorities: ‘[w]ith power to spare we must pursue the tottering foe’ 宜將剩勇追窮寇 - Mao Zedong (Dittmer 1987: 86). The designated common enemy in the class struggle targeted those who ‘sought rapprochement with American imperialism and Soviet revisionism’ (Dittmer 1987: 86). Young revolutionaries reacted with an anarchy zeal: ‘[w]e want to wield the massive cudgel, express our spirit, invoke our magic influence and turn the old world upside down, smash things into chaos, into smithereens, the more chaos the better’ (Dittmer 1987: 88). To the Chicoms, the triumphant Cuban Revolution in 1959 reinforced the merit of armed struggle (‘ideological cudgel’) in global revolutionary politics (Rothwell 2016: 53). In the infamous 1981 trial held after the death of Mao, the purged Gang of Four were indicted on 48 charges relating to anti-party and anti-socialism offences including persecution of party cadres and devising armed rebellion; Yao Wenyuan, the golden cudgel, was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment (Barnes 2020). Sources: Barmé, G.R. 2017. The Chairmen... The China File. https://www.chinafile.com/viewpoint/chairmen-trump-and-mao Barnes, A. J. 2020. Chinese propaganda posters... Visual Resources, 36(2), 124–147. https://oro.open.ac.uk/68118/2/68118.pdf Dittmer, L. 1987. Four— the inner logic..., 1949-1981. Berkeley: University of California Press. http://ark.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft3q2nb24q/ I, Ting & Cheng, M. 1983 (1998). Retranslation of Lenin article...China Report, 63-67. FBIS. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA347033.pdf Kamm, H. 1978. Taiwanese attack U.S.... https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/28/archives/taiwanese-attack-us-motorcade-as-officials-arrive-for-negotiations.html Red Guard publications. 1979. Centre for Chinese Research Materials. https://www1.columbia.edu/sec/cu/lso/tocdata/3681525/CU10771921/1-Volume_1.pdf Rothwell, M. 2016. Secret Agent for International Maoism:... Radical Americas, 1-1, 44-62. UCL Press. https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444.ra.2016.v1.1.005 The Torch - Beijing 2008. n.d. IOC. https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/beijing-2008/torch-relay Yao Wenyuan. n.d. Chinese Posters Net. https://chineseposters.net/themes/yaowenyuan 王明賢。2003。紅衛兵美術運動。《21世紀》網絡版總第 10 期。 https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/ics/21c/media/online/9500088.pdf 戴立文。2024。孫猴子再厲害...。RTI。 https://insidechina.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2217956

This review is going to concern only the locker room. The library itself you can read about on the website and other reviews here. On entering, the red lockers are on the left. I tend to ignore those. The yellows are fine but small, the size of a toy microwave. The greens have a problem as they are so popular, many are broken, either bent or locked open. I'd recommend going beyond the first few metres of lockers to get away from the crowds, where the air is thinner. In the quiet you'll notice the blue lockers, at the back. No one ever goes there. If you do brave it, you'll notice that none are broken or have even been touched. The Mary Celeste. You'll want an odd number yellow locker and one on the top row, not too close to the blues nor too near the crowds. 249 and 257 are options, but 257 is often taken. 253 is pretty good. My advice would be to take 261. It has a stiff locking arm which you can only lock from the top, and it sticks. No one will ever suspect it. While I was there I met a man, who I had often seen visiting the very end of the isle. I greeted him with a nod and he said hello. He introduced himself as Steve. He told me he had just come back from Italy, where he had been in the Apennine mountains and visited a village called San Benedetto with an enchanting center that centered around the ancient abbey with a beautiful crypt. The next day he had wandered on to The Mengozzi Mill at Fiumicello and the Biondi Mill at Castel dell'Alpe which he said were important testimonies of mountain culture. Externally similar to stone rural buildings, they are internally equipped for milling activities. When the mill is open, Steve said – it’s wise to ring in advance to check (contact Casentinesi Forest Park / Luca Mengozzi) – the two wheels get to work grinding chestnut flour and durum wheat flour, respectively. Their almost hypnotic action evokes bygone days and a world of tradition that must never be forgotten. Steve told me how Luca Mengozzi has sculpted some images in the rock all around the mill and built a drinking fountain to one side, so if you’re thirsty don’t forget to fill your flask! he said. Steve looked up as if coming out of a trance. I asked him about his jacket which he told me had bought in a charity shop on the old kent road, and then he wandered, slightly self-consciously through the green and yellow isle. I had a good day at the library, stopping only to wander the garden and eat couscous at one of the outside tables. I fininished the application I was working on and got the 18:42 towards sutton.

It's great that you can enter here practically from the street and admire literary monuments!

We loved the view of the National Library and seeing the books belonging to the crown We loved it, we will return 😉

Fabulous Special Exhibition - Medieval Women - thank you to the curators. And love the whole experience of being in this brilliant museum with its free spaces and exhibitions.

Really enjoyed this library! It was very busy when I went (Sunday afternoon), but definitely worth it. The rare books area had works from Alan Turing, Shakespeare, The Beatles, Da Vinci, and many more.

Well worth a visit, lots of cool exhibitions and rare books etc

An excellent exhibition about women in the Middle Ages. Interesting that so few men were present. Shop full of lovely gifts for your loved and also maybe for your not so loved ones. One star off for pretty bad coffee shop facilities. One was in a dark inner part of the building so I didn't venture far from the entrance and bought a coffee at the one near the entrance as it was sunny albeit freezing. My double macchiato (in a small paper cup) cost £4.10!! Plus the tip requested was annoying because it was not table service you got it at a queue at the counter and it's not fun being watched choosing not to give them a tip. A tip jar is much more diplomatic.

Wonderful! The library is huge and rich in history. For tourists it is good to know that the original copy of the Magnacarta is kept but also Oscar Wilde's manuscripts rather than original musical scores, the study of some original Beatles lyrics, Shakespeare's first publications and then religious texts that embrace every religion. It's an interesting and free place to spend some time and enjoy the sense of culture that encompasses all the forms it refers to. Advised! #whattodoalondra #whattoseealondra #culturegratislondon

An excellent facility for the public good. Nice pleasant reading rooms. However, sometimes plug sockets don't necessarily work and nor is there always sufficient seating.

The medieval women exhibition was interesting but mostly texts/books (I had expected more paintings, don't know why - it's a library after all 🤦‍♀️). LOVE the fact that they incorporated smells, sounds and touch in the exhibition. Especially the smells were memorable! All the sad stories made me sad though. Medieval times were tough. The exhibition book looks great too. Will probably return to buy it.

Libraries are precious. The British Library has everything a library can and should have, plus exhibitions of unique items, space for those who want or need to stay there, a cafe and a shop. Easy access by public transport.

“Medieval Women” Exhibition at the British Library I recently visited the “Medieval Women” exhibition at the British Library, and it was an incredible experience. The exhibition is thoughtfully curated, bringing to life the often-overlooked stories of women from the medieval era. Through beautifully preserved manuscripts, intricate illustrations, and personal artifacts, the exhibition sheds light on the complex roles women played in society—ranging from scholars and queens to peasants and religious leaders. What struck me most was the duality of their experiences. On one hand, the exhibit celebrates the resilience and achievements of medieval women, but on the other, it starkly portrays the injustices and suffering they endured. From restricted freedoms to brutal punishments, many of the struggles medieval women faced feel hauntingly familiar when I think about the experiences of women in certain parts of the world today, especially in the Middle East. The parallels are undeniable: systemic oppression, lack of autonomy, and harsh societal constraints still persist in many regions, reminding us of the urgent need for change. The exhibition left me deeply reflective and inspired. It’s an important and timely reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still need to go. I highly recommend visiting—it’s a moving journey through history and a lens into our present.

Such a big library and even has a prayer room :) Lovely staff..super dooper friendly.. from the entrance and reception to the security upstairs..

Entrance is free. There is a small museum section to visit. Ideal for students.

Lovely building and atmosphere, the staff there were very helpful and polite. The Treasure Gallery is a must see for any book or history enthusiast.

Was visiting to specifically see the Tapling philatelic collection and wished I'd been able to spend all day here - the free permanent exhibitions are fascinating and there were some interested ticketed exhibitions on that I wish I could have visited too. There's a café and gift/book shops on site and it's free to enter - I can't wait to visit again and see it all properly!

Food in the restaurant is fantastic, always a great vegan and vegetarian option, very well balance meals

I had an absolutely fascinating and wonderful -- though short -- visit. The exhibitions are grand and the atmosphere was all a closet scholar could hope for. Very close to the International train station. Wonderfully kept with a helpful staff. Thanks.

Medieval women and silk road exhibitions very interesting. Free lockers are a bit tricky to work .

I feel slightly more knowledgeable just for visiting. Do the guided tour to level up fast PLUS you’ll get 10% off at the THE AMAZING BOOK SHOP! The book shop at the British Library! I wanted to buy about an hundred books. Got a great one though. See the photo. From original hand written Beatles lyrics to the the Magna Carts. Seriously get the guided the tour.

pretty good place tbh, but some staff are rude. disappointed me a bit. perfect reading rooms 10/10(as study spaces).

The library is soo beautiful, i just hate that it doesn’t feel like a library, people are not respecting the library anymore i wish the librarians/organiser there to be more active in that case and shushing loud people…also i hope it can be open 24/7

I enjoyed my visit to the Treasure Room. They even had some Leonardo da Vinci journal pages.

I recently had the privilege of visiting the British Library, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The sheer magnitude of its collection is awe-inspiring, encompassing a rich tapestry of literature and historical artifacts. The architectural design is both magnificent and contemplative, providing an ideal backdrop for intellectual pursuits. The reading rooms exude an atmosphere of tranquility, fostering a deep appreciation for knowledge and scholarship. The staff were remarkably accommodating and knowledgeable, enhancing my experience with their insights. Overall, the British Library is a magnificent bastion of culture and learning, and I eagerly anticipate my next visit

The Exhibition on Medieval Woman Saturday 3pm is overcrowded to the point it becomes a horrible experience. You cannot read anything nor see the manuscripts. If you like queuing in a very small crowded space have seconds to read see objects and the queue again go ahead and book it! It is clear the British Library is not enforcing the Ticket times otherwise it wouldn't be so overcrowded. Is it even safe to have so many people in that small exhibition cube? Probably not

Very happy with service and the friendliness

The experience at the library can vary vastly depending on the reading room you are in. I had a lovely experience at the rare books section with the librarians there friendly and willing to help. On that same day, a librarian in Humanities 1 - a certain elderly stocky caucasian man with glasses sure had a lot of attitude to give for absolutely no good reason, he made a personal mission for himself to give off putting attitude to everyone around him. Keep up with the good work lol.

Great place to work quietly. But most of the reading materials have to be ordered in advance. The shelves in the science section are empty so difficult to find anything in your subject matter. I miss the old library that had everything there.

Great place to visit, much of it is free and it has some worthwhile exhibitions too

the reading rooms are the perfect place to get some undistracted work done, great staff and lovely atmosphere

Fantastic place, but unfortunately there are people who, in addition to going to study, sleep for a long time occupying tables or are absent from the table for a long time while others of us are wandering around and passing the time to find a place. In this sense I think that this should be controlled.

A huge library and an attached gallery

Very good exhibition, but a bit too busy: It takes away from the experience when you have to queue to view the individual exhibits. Also, it would have been helpful to have transcripts available for view next to the exhibited text -and a translation of those transcripts to English where the original was in Latin for instance.

One of my favorite places in London. Very gorgeous with rare books and smells good.

I spent my birthday at the British Library, and it was honestly one of the best decisions. The Magna Carta was the main highlight—standing in front of this ancient document was a pretty surreal experience. The rest of the library is packed with all sorts of treasures. I wandered through exhibits with everything from stunning illuminated manuscripts to modern books and even some quirky art. The space itself is great—open, airy, and filled with cozy reading spots. Perfect for taking it all in at your own pace. And I can’t forget the bookshop! I could’ve spent ages browsing the shelves, with everything from classic novels to funny book-themed merch. I bought a book from one of my favorite authors.It’s one of those places you find something cool every time you look around. All in all, it was a birthday well spent. The British Library is such a gem, and whether you’re a history buff, a bookworm, or just curious, there’s a little bit of magic here for everyone. (Review from May 2023.)