British Library, London
The British Library is one of the largest libraries in the world and the national library of the UK. Located in King's Cross, near King's Cross Station and St Pancras Station in London it has a collection of between 170-200 million items.
The library has a global reputation as a center for research and scholarship. It is used by academics, researchers and scholars from around the world. The library's collections encompass a vast array of subjects and languages, making it a valuable resource for a wide range of academic disciplines.
In addition, as well as high-speed Wifi and an excellent cafe, its scholarly attractions include the Magna Carta, Shakespeare's first Folio and drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci. And the best thing about all this knowledge? It's all completely free.
History
Before 1973, the Library was part of the British Museum. The British Library Act of 1972 created the new, separate institution which moved to its new home in 1998.
Before the new Grade I listed building opened the collection was dispersed in various buildings around London including the Indian Collection in Orbit House on Blackfriars Road, the newspaper library at Colindale in north-west London and other premises in Bayswater and Holborn.
The architects were British modernist Sir Colin St. John Wilson (1922-2007), together with his American-born partner Mary Jane Long (1939-2018). Wilson was strongly influenced by Scandinavian design. In addition, there are subtle references to ships in design as he was a naval lieutenant during World War II.
His use of red bricks blends with St. Pancras Station and the Renaissance Hotel next door.
The roots of the British Library can be traced back to the 18th century when the collection of books and manuscripts of Sir Robert Cotton formed the basis of the library. The library was established in 1753 as the British Museum Library, and it was initially located in Montagu House in Bloomsbury.
Over the years, the library's collections grew through various acquisitions, donations, and purchases. One of the most significant contributions was the acquisition of the King's Library, which was the personal library of King George III. This addition expanded the library's holdings considerably.
The premises contain various artworks. In the Piazza is the statue of Newton by Paolozzi and the Planets sculpture by Antony Gormley. Within the building visitors can admire Paradoxymoron - a 3D painting within the library and a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth in the Terrace restaurant.
The British Library is also one of the world's leading research libraries, and it has a unique privilege known as "legal deposit." This means that the library is entitled to request a copy of every publication produced in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It serves as a comprehensive record of the nation's published output. The institution has also adapted to the digital age by digitizing many of its holdings, making them accessible online. Researchers and the general public can now access a wealth of digitized materials, including historic manuscripts, newspapers, and more.
New Building
The new British Library building was officially opened in 1997 and is an iconic piece of modern architecture. It is home to an extensive and diverse collection of books, manuscripts, maps, music, and other materials. The library also contains several special collections, including items of historical and cultural significance, such as the Magna Carta and the Gutenberg Bible.
Reading Rooms
The following 11 reading rooms can be found in the library catering to different fields of research and study. Asian & African Studies, Business & IP Centre, Humanities 1 and 2, Manuscripts, Maps, Newsroom, Rare Books & Music, Science 2 and 3, and Social Sciences. There is also a reading room at the branch of the British Library in Boston Spa, Yorkshire.
Treasures of the British Library
On permanent display and free to enter is the superb Treasures of the British Library exhibition in The Sir John Ritblat: Treasures Gallery. Some well-known treasures on display include the Magna Carta (in its own room), the Lindisfarne Gospels from Lindisfarne, Leonardo da Vinci's notebook, and the original manuscript of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
In addition visitors can see Florence Nightingale's original Diagram of the Causes of Mortality in the Army in the East, anatomical illustrations by Michelangelo, and writings from Charles Dickens.
Sacred texts include a Baha'i sacred text; a tablet written by the Bab in the form of a five-pointed star, and a Hindu manuscript on a palm leaf.
The gallery also stages regular temporary exhibitions.
Hotels near the British Library
There are many places to stay in the King's Cross district to suit all budgets. Close to several of London's attractions, including Coal Drops Yard and Regent's Park, visitors have a wide choice of accommodation.
Here are some of the very best hotels near the British Library. The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London with five stars, The Standard London also five stars, and the Pullman London St Pancras. The three-star Kings Cross Inn Hotel is also close to the station.
More budget accommodation options near King's Cross can be found here.
Access - Getting There
96 Euston Road
London, NW1 2DB
Tel: 0330 333 1144 /
+44 1937 546 060 (from outside the UK)
www: bl.uk
There are both covered and uncovered areas for bicycles but no car parking onsite. In addition there are Santander bicycle docking stations on Argyle Street, Birkenhead Street, Cromer Street, Northdown Street, and St Chad's Street.
St Pancras, King's Cross and Euston stations are the nearest mainline stations. St Pancras and King's Cross share a tube station (King's Cross St. Pancras on the Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines). Other tube stations within walking distance are both Euston and Euston Square.
Buses that call at St Pancras and King's Cross stations include the 30, 46, 63 (N63), 73 (N73), 91 (N91), 168 (discontinued in 2023), 205 (N205), 214 and 390.
The number 30 London bus runs from the Portman Street / Selfridges stop to Hackney Wick via Baker Street Station, Euston Station, Highbury Corner and Hackney Central. The 46 runs from Paddington Station to St Bartholomew's Hospital via Swiss Cottage and Kentish Town. The 63 connects Peckham Rye and King's Cross via Blackfriars Station, Farringdon Station and Clerkenwell Road. The 73 bus runs from Tottenham Court Road to Stoke Newington. The 91 bus links Crouch End with Trafalgar Square via Caledonian Road and Russell Square. The 205 London bus runs from Paddington Station to Bow Church on the DLR. The 214 runs from Highgate to Finsbury Square via Camden Town, Angel and Old Street. The 390 bus runs from Archway to Victoria via Euston Square tube station, Tottenham Court Road and Hyde Park Corner.
Refreshments
There are several places to eat and drink at the library. These include Terrace Restaurant (closed Sunday), King's Library Café (closed Sunday), Origin Coffee Euston Road and the Upper Ground Floor Café.
Tours
Various tours of the library are available. These are the Building Tour, Treasures Tour and Conservation Studio Tour. These can be booked online at the official website.
Other British Libraries
Library of Birmingham
Manchester Central Library
John Rylands Library
Chetham's Library
Portico Library
Radcliffe Camera
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