British Library
@britishlibrary.bsky.social
We’re the national library of the UK.
Pinned
'Nothing is pleasanter to me than exploring a library'
— Walter Savage Landor
— Walter Savage Landor
Could you co-supervise a PhD working with unexplored areas of our collection?
We’re seeking proposals from academics at HEI’s on four specially selected research themes: bit.ly/BritishLibra...
We’re seeking proposals from academics at HEI’s on four specially selected research themes: bit.ly/BritishLibra...
November 7, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Could you co-supervise a PhD working with unexplored areas of our collection?
We’re seeking proposals from academics at HEI’s on four specially selected research themes: bit.ly/BritishLibra...
We’re seeking proposals from academics at HEI’s on four specially selected research themes: bit.ly/BritishLibra...
Due to ongoing strike action, all St Pancras Reading Rooms will be closed on Saturday 8 November.
Reader Registration will also be closed on 8 November.
Find all service updates on our website.
bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Reader Registration will also be closed on 8 November.
Find all service updates on our website.
bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Planned strike action in St Pancras
We have been notified of planned strike action taking place between Monday 27 October and Sunday 9 November 2025.
bit.ly
November 6, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Due to ongoing strike action, all St Pancras Reading Rooms will be closed on Saturday 8 November.
Reader Registration will also be closed on 8 November.
Find all service updates on our website.
bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Reader Registration will also be closed on 8 November.
Find all service updates on our website.
bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Due to ongoing strike action, all St Pancras Reading Rooms will be closed on Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November.
Reader Registration will also be closed on 1 November and operating at a reduced level on 31 October. Find all service updates on our website.
bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Reader Registration will also be closed on 1 November and operating at a reduced level on 31 October. Find all service updates on our website.
bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Planned strike action in St Pancras
We have been notified of planned strike action taking place between Monday 27 October and Sunday 9 November 2025.
bit.ly
October 30, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Due to ongoing strike action, all St Pancras Reading Rooms will be closed on Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November.
Reader Registration will also be closed on 1 November and operating at a reduced level on 31 October. Find all service updates on our website.
bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Reader Registration will also be closed on 1 November and operating at a reduced level on 31 October. Find all service updates on our website.
bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Apologies if you are having any problems accessing the British Library website. There is currently an issue with our hosting provider and we hope to be back online shortly.
You can visit:
Guides: bl.libguides.com/guides
Catalogues: bit.ly/BLOnlineCatalogue
Events: events.bl.uk
Shop: shop.bl.uk
You can visit:
Guides: bl.libguides.com/guides
Catalogues: bit.ly/BLOnlineCatalogue
Events: events.bl.uk
Shop: shop.bl.uk
October 29, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Apologies if you are having any problems accessing the British Library website. There is currently an issue with our hosting provider and we hope to be back online shortly.
You can visit:
Guides: bl.libguides.com/guides
Catalogues: bit.ly/BLOnlineCatalogue
Events: events.bl.uk
Shop: shop.bl.uk
You can visit:
Guides: bl.libguides.com/guides
Catalogues: bit.ly/BLOnlineCatalogue
Events: events.bl.uk
Shop: shop.bl.uk
Secret Maps opens today! 🤫 🗺️
From medieval manuscripts to Cold War espionage, our new exhibition explores how maps have hidden as much as they revealed for over 600 years.
Book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
From medieval manuscripts to Cold War espionage, our new exhibition explores how maps have hidden as much as they revealed for over 600 years.
Book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
October 24, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Secret Maps opens today! 🤫 🗺️
From medieval manuscripts to Cold War espionage, our new exhibition explores how maps have hidden as much as they revealed for over 600 years.
Book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
From medieval manuscripts to Cold War espionage, our new exhibition explores how maps have hidden as much as they revealed for over 600 years.
Book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
Some of our Reading Rooms will be closed between 27 October and 9 November due to planned strike action at our St Pancras site, and there may be other short notice disruption.
To check what’s impacted, please visit our website: bit.ly/StrikeAction...
To check what’s impacted, please visit our website: bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Planned strike action in St Pancras
We have been notified of planned strike action taking place between Monday 27 October and Sunday 9 November 2025.
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Some of our Reading Rooms will be closed between 27 October and 9 November due to planned strike action at our St Pancras site, and there may be other short notice disruption.
To check what’s impacted, please visit our website: bit.ly/StrikeAction...
To check what’s impacted, please visit our website: bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Apologies if you are having any problems accessing the British Library website this morning. We're working to resolve an intermittent technical issue.
Our sub-sites are working as usual:
Guides: bl.libguides.com/guides
Catalogues: bit.ly/BLOnlineCata...
Events: events.bl.uk
Shop: shop.bl.uk
Our sub-sites are working as usual:
Guides: bl.libguides.com/guides
Catalogues: bit.ly/BLOnlineCata...
Events: events.bl.uk
Shop: shop.bl.uk
October 9, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Apologies if you are having any problems accessing the British Library website this morning. We're working to resolve an intermittent technical issue.
Our sub-sites are working as usual:
Guides: bl.libguides.com/guides
Catalogues: bit.ly/BLOnlineCata...
Events: events.bl.uk
Shop: shop.bl.uk
Our sub-sites are working as usual:
Guides: bl.libguides.com/guides
Catalogues: bit.ly/BLOnlineCata...
Events: events.bl.uk
Shop: shop.bl.uk
Don't miss our free, online Open and Engaged Conference 2025, as part of #InternationaOpenAccessWeek.
This year we're exploring the power, ethics, and responsibility embedded in how cultural heritage is created, shared, and preserved.
Register for free: bit.ly/BLEngagedCon...
This year we're exploring the power, ethics, and responsibility embedded in how cultural heritage is created, shared, and preserved.
Register for free: bit.ly/BLEngagedCon...
October 7, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Don't miss our free, online Open and Engaged Conference 2025, as part of #InternationaOpenAccessWeek.
This year we're exploring the power, ethics, and responsibility embedded in how cultural heritage is created, shared, and preserved.
Register for free: bit.ly/BLEngagedCon...
This year we're exploring the power, ethics, and responsibility embedded in how cultural heritage is created, shared, and preserved.
Register for free: bit.ly/BLEngagedCon...
Hwæt! 🐉
Ever wondered what the epic poem Beowulf sounds like spoken in Old English?
#NationalPoetryDay
Ever wondered what the epic poem Beowulf sounds like spoken in Old English?
#NationalPoetryDay
October 2, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Hwæt! 🐉
Ever wondered what the epic poem Beowulf sounds like spoken in Old English?
#NationalPoetryDay
Ever wondered what the epic poem Beowulf sounds like spoken in Old English?
#NationalPoetryDay
Opening March 2026, our new family exhibition will explore the enchanting world of fairy tales! ✨ 🏰
Read more about what 2026 has in store: bit.ly/BL-Exhibitio...
Read more about what 2026 has in store: bit.ly/BL-Exhibitio...
September 30, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Opening March 2026, our new family exhibition will explore the enchanting world of fairy tales! ✨ 🏰
Read more about what 2026 has in store: bit.ly/BL-Exhibitio...
Read more about what 2026 has in store: bit.ly/BL-Exhibitio...
Our blogs have a new look: bit.ly/BL-Blogs
All previously published blogs will be available in our archive, launching in coming weeks. Watch this space for an update on when that goes live.
All previously published blogs will be available in our archive, launching in coming weeks. Watch this space for an update on when that goes live.
Blogs and updates from curators, staff and guests - British Library
Get the latest stories and updates from our curators, cataloguers, reference staff and guest contributors. Find out more about amazing items in our collection.
bit.ly
September 30, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Our blogs have a new look: bit.ly/BL-Blogs
All previously published blogs will be available in our archive, launching in coming weeks. Watch this space for an update on when that goes live.
All previously published blogs will be available in our archive, launching in coming weeks. Watch this space for an update on when that goes live.
Are you an early career researcher with an interest in our collection? Apply to develop an independent research project funded by AHRC.
Hear more about the opportunity at a virtual town hall event on Monday 6 October: bit.ly/BL-EarlyCare...
Hear more about the opportunity at a virtual town hall event on Monday 6 October: bit.ly/BL-EarlyCare...
September 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Are you an early career researcher with an interest in our collection? Apply to develop an independent research project funded by AHRC.
Hear more about the opportunity at a virtual town hall event on Monday 6 October: bit.ly/BL-EarlyCare...
Hear more about the opportunity at a virtual town hall event on Monday 6 October: bit.ly/BL-EarlyCare...
It's Agatha Christie's birthday today, and we're delighted to announce a major exhibition on the Queen of Crime, coming autumn 2026 🕵️♀️
Find out more: bit.ly/BL-AgathaChr...
#AgathaChristie #CrimeFiction
Find out more: bit.ly/BL-AgathaChr...
#AgathaChristie #CrimeFiction
September 15, 2025 at 9:43 AM
It's Agatha Christie's birthday today, and we're delighted to announce a major exhibition on the Queen of Crime, coming autumn 2026 🕵️♀️
Find out more: bit.ly/BL-AgathaChr...
#AgathaChristie #CrimeFiction
Find out more: bit.ly/BL-AgathaChr...
#AgathaChristie #CrimeFiction
There are just a few days left to get your submissions in for the 2026 Writer's Award!
Apply by Friday 12 September: bit.ly/BL-WritersAw...
Apply by Friday 12 September: bit.ly/BL-WritersAw...
September 10, 2025 at 9:45 AM
There are just a few days left to get your submissions in for the 2026 Writer's Award!
Apply by Friday 12 September: bit.ly/BL-WritersAw...
Apply by Friday 12 September: bit.ly/BL-WritersAw...
Due to planned transport strikes, on Monday 8 September – Thursday 11 September our St Pancras site will open 09:30 – 18:00.
Reading Rooms and Reader Registration will open at 10.00 and close at 17.00.
Plan your visit: bit.ly/BLPlanVisit
Reading Rooms and Reader Registration will open at 10.00 and close at 17.00.
Plan your visit: bit.ly/BLPlanVisit
September 6, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Due to planned transport strikes, on Monday 8 September – Thursday 11 September our St Pancras site will open 09:30 – 18:00.
Reading Rooms and Reader Registration will open at 10.00 and close at 17.00.
Plan your visit: bit.ly/BLPlanVisit
Reading Rooms and Reader Registration will open at 10.00 and close at 17.00.
Plan your visit: bit.ly/BLPlanVisit
Join us for a fascinating debate on 15 September, where leading experts, including Timandra Harkness, Dr Shahreen Ahmad, Professor Dean Barratt, Charlotte Blease, Dr Niels Peek & Dr Nicola Byrne, will explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on our health and wellbeing.
bit.ly/BLEventsAIHe...
bit.ly/BLEventsAIHe...
September 5, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Join us for a fascinating debate on 15 September, where leading experts, including Timandra Harkness, Dr Shahreen Ahmad, Professor Dean Barratt, Charlotte Blease, Dr Niels Peek & Dr Nicola Byrne, will explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on our health and wellbeing.
bit.ly/BLEventsAIHe...
bit.ly/BLEventsAIHe...
Working on a book about the Americas? 🌎
Apply for the Writer's Award residency. Winners will get exclusive access to our collection, platform their work at Hay Festival events around the world, and £20,000 to develop their publication.
Submissions close 12 Sep: bit.ly/BL-WritersAward2025
Apply for the Writer's Award residency. Winners will get exclusive access to our collection, platform their work at Hay Festival events around the world, and £20,000 to develop their publication.
Submissions close 12 Sep: bit.ly/BL-WritersAward2025
August 29, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Working on a book about the Americas? 🌎
Apply for the Writer's Award residency. Winners will get exclusive access to our collection, platform their work at Hay Festival events around the world, and £20,000 to develop their publication.
Submissions close 12 Sep: bit.ly/BL-WritersAward2025
Apply for the Writer's Award residency. Winners will get exclusive access to our collection, platform their work at Hay Festival events around the world, and £20,000 to develop their publication.
Submissions close 12 Sep: bit.ly/BL-WritersAward2025
Unlock the secrets behind some of the world’s most extraordinary maps 🤫🗺️
Secret Maps opens 24 October, book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
Secret Maps opens 24 October, book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
August 20, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Unlock the secrets behind some of the world’s most extraordinary maps 🤫🗺️
Secret Maps opens 24 October, book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
Secret Maps opens 24 October, book now: bit.ly/BLSecretMaps
The Treasures Gallery will be closed between 18 August and 26 September 2025 while we make necessary changes to our climate control system.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
August 18, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The Treasures Gallery will be closed between 18 August and 26 September 2025 while we make necessary changes to our climate control system.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Today marks the 150th anniversary of composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) 🎼
From published scores, autograph manuscripts, and sound recordings, read our new blog post with an overview of our Coleridge-Taylor collections: bit.ly/BLBlogColeridgeTaylor
From published scores, autograph manuscripts, and sound recordings, read our new blog post with an overview of our Coleridge-Taylor collections: bit.ly/BLBlogColeridgeTaylor
August 15, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Today marks the 150th anniversary of composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) 🎼
From published scores, autograph manuscripts, and sound recordings, read our new blog post with an overview of our Coleridge-Taylor collections: bit.ly/BLBlogColeridgeTaylor
From published scores, autograph manuscripts, and sound recordings, read our new blog post with an overview of our Coleridge-Taylor collections: bit.ly/BLBlogColeridgeTaylor
Happy #NationalBookLoversDay! 📚 What’s one book you think everyone should read at least once?
August 9, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Happy #NationalBookLoversDay! 📚 What’s one book you think everyone should read at least once?
Don’t miss your last chance to see Voice of the Fans at Leeds Central Library until 10 August.
Explore over 60 years of fan-made media, from the Library and Leeds Libraries collections, that has defined the beautiful game ⚽️
bit.ly/BLVoiceOfTheFans
Explore over 60 years of fan-made media, from the Library and Leeds Libraries collections, that has defined the beautiful game ⚽️
bit.ly/BLVoiceOfTheFans
August 6, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Don’t miss your last chance to see Voice of the Fans at Leeds Central Library until 10 August.
Explore over 60 years of fan-made media, from the Library and Leeds Libraries collections, that has defined the beautiful game ⚽️
bit.ly/BLVoiceOfTheFans
Explore over 60 years of fan-made media, from the Library and Leeds Libraries collections, that has defined the beautiful game ⚽️
bit.ly/BLVoiceOfTheFans
There’s still time to cast your vote for the Library in the School Travel Awards, organised by @SchoolTravelOrg magazine! We’re proud to be nominated in the Best Venue for English Learning category.
Vote by 31 July: bit.ly/BL-SchoolTravelAwards2025
Vote by 31 July: bit.ly/BL-SchoolTravelAwards2025
July 23, 2025 at 9:54 AM
There’s still time to cast your vote for the Library in the School Travel Awards, organised by @SchoolTravelOrg magazine! We’re proud to be nominated in the Best Venue for English Learning category.
Vote by 31 July: bit.ly/BL-SchoolTravelAwards2025
Vote by 31 July: bit.ly/BL-SchoolTravelAwards2025
Our catalogue will be unavailable for 24 hours from 06.00 on Saturday 12 July due to planned maintenance. You can still place item requests during this time at bit.ly/BLCollection... and may find shelf mark information by using other catalogues.
Find out more: bit.ly/BLCatalogueU...
Find out more: bit.ly/BLCatalogueU...
July 10, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Our catalogue will be unavailable for 24 hours from 06.00 on Saturday 12 July due to planned maintenance. You can still place item requests during this time at bit.ly/BLCollection... and may find shelf mark information by using other catalogues.
Find out more: bit.ly/BLCatalogueU...
Find out more: bit.ly/BLCatalogueU...