The British Library image

The British Library

Restaurant Cafe Tourist attraction Event venue Gift shop Library

One of the Most Reviewed Libraries in London


Address

96 Euston Rd., London NW1 2DB, United Kingdom

Website

www.bl.uk

Contact

+44 330 333 1144

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (2.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 11 AM to 5 PM, Holiday hours
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: library (28) British (23) exhibition (21) visit (19) books (19) free (17) book (17) Library (15) time (12) reading (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sara L. 2 years ago on Google
    Been coming here for years. I find it such a good place to study, work, or just spend time with friends. It's nice to have a place you can spend hours in for free in Central London, you don't need a library card to get in! They also have cool exhibitions and some are free. Love their outside terrace!!
    31 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenny S. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited here last week. Very nice and very modern library. I would of liked to visit the little museum there but unfortunately I wasn't allowed in as I had a water bottle. They do not allow food and drink. That annoyed me! You are not allowed in the actual libraries without a pass which I found silly. I was looking forward to look around in there. The restaurants there are a quite expensive! It was around £4 something for a sandwich which was ridiculous! Otherwise, nice place to look around! Lots of information about the library and other things! Lots of seating spots to study too! They have a little spot (outside the toilets) where you can refill your water bottle but the water didn't taste very nice in my opinion. That's tap water for ya! I will still rate this place a five star in spite of my little criticisms! :P There you go!
    28 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matty B. 2 months ago on Google • 1458 reviews New
    Filled to the brim with literary artifacts from around the world, and guarded by Isaac Newton, the British Library was a great place to visit when the British Museum was full. There’s no tickets needed to get in here and there’s a smaller museum exhibit here.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heritage S. 1 year ago on Google
    Admission into building is free Reader's card is required for access into libraries and reading rooms. There is also a free exhibition of really interesting history materials. It's a large building so you'll want to visit over and over again!
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yahya V. 1 year ago on Google
    Went on a Sunday. The place was open and busy with what appeared to be hundreds of people working away on their laptops. Some areas were closed. Some lovely collections on display. A small gift shop and cafe. Nice ambience for some quiet time.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madan Gopal M. 2 months ago on Google • 615 reviews New
    One of the oldest public libraries in the world, this is a place of learning and knowledge. Located in a sprawling campus, aesthetic ambience, this place can truly be called as people's university. Thanks to the permission of the receptionist we could visit a special exhibition that's going on in the library.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yulia V. 6 months ago on Google
    Extremely efficient and well-stocked library, that feels like a cathedral and doubles as a co-working space (you don't have to be a library member to use desks and WiFi). It's incredible how they can be so good, and offer it all for free. EFFICIENT: My pass was renewed in 4 minutes (from entering the room to leaving it with the pass that has been printed for me). Don't forget your ID document(s) - details on the BL website. Note that the registration room closes 2h before the library, and is closed on Sundays. Most books are in the library, and the librarians will get them in 70min after they were ordered. Possible to order books from home to save time. You cannot take your bags inside, but it's possible to take phones, laptops, paper and pencils (but not pens). WELL-STOCKED: BL's vaults hold 14 million books, including every book single printed in the UK and Ireland. They don't have the museum exhibition catalogues though.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tom F. 4 months ago on Google • 516 reviews
    Cool place to go to see all things book related. Some displays of some really old books and cool area where you can see all these books going up high. Cafes to get food n drink. Seemed to be a lot of people studying and meeting up - was busier than I expected it to be on a weekday. Good to try and plan what to see if you haven’t got lots of time to spare. Exhibition of old books etc can be found on Upper ground floor on the far left as you enter the premises.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nazma P. 2 months ago on Google • 111 reviews New
    This library is really big, you can visit for free and walk around, however to actually sit in the library and read books you do need to become a member. This library has a lot of history. The member ship is £80 a year and with the membership you can see exhibitions unlimited time all for free. There is a-lot of sitting place, so you can just sit and relax, reading your own book or you can do work. (Laptop, book) There is a cafe on ground floor and a little restaurant. Overall this place is really nice, I do wish that they did have a little children reading area.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shiv 2 years ago on Google
    This was my first time going to the British Library and it was actually pretty good (went twice for a school trip). The exhibition we went to was Elizabeth and Mary. The exhibit was filled with historical artifacts and documents from long ago and even had videos on how they were able send encrypted letters (it was quite fascinating). Before you fully enter the building, you need to have your face mask on (unless you're exempt) and you need to have your bags searched. All in all, it was a fun day out.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James W. 2 years ago on Google
    Just come here for their King's Library Tower and Treasure Exhibitions. Easy and quick. No burden. After you visit the famous Harry Potter store in King Cross Station. You can just come and pay a visit.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zontziry J. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful place to explore when visiting London! Some of the exhibits require a nominal ticket fee to view, but the Beethoven gallery was fantastic with actual pages of his manuscripts and compositions. This is a place I could easily return to many times over and never get bored.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The Throwback G. 8 months ago on Google
    Wonderful exhibitions. So many cool texts to see. Even if you don’t visit to study there’s still a lot to explore. Probably on a weekday though as some places are closed on a Sunday like the Asian and African studies. The shop is cute too!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Candice x. 2 years ago on Google
    My daughter thoroughly enjoyed attending here today along with her class mates. She loves historic findings and is such a book worm so this made her year. She raved about the kindest of the staff, and also loved the Harry Potter shop.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Younes H. 2 years ago on Google
    The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom. And what a place! The treasures collection room is a goldmine. You'll see one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, the first printed book (Diamond Sutra), Shakespeare's manuscripts, Leonardo Da Vinci scribbles, and the original piechart of Florence Nightingale. They also have old sacred texts: Bibles, Qurans, Hindu/Judaism/Buddhism textbooks, and more. The whole building offers plenty of seating space and tables. There is a restaurant and multiple cafes, toilets on all floors, and charging points for electronic devices. To access the reading rooms, you'll need to register at the upper ground floor office (you'll need an ID and proof of address). The whole process is super quick. After that, you'll have access to the multi-floor reading rooms with their sections: science, business, humanities, rare books & music, and much more. The British Library is the perfect place to do your research and study in the quiet.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sadek M. 4 months ago on Google • 96 reviews
    The British Library isn't what it once used to be. Many sections have been closed off to the public and though there is an exhibition on the ground floor exploring the likes of religion, artists, architecture, Shakespeare, modern day writing all in literature form, it's a shame that not all of it is accessible in depth. It's a good thing entry is free to the public as charging for entry would feel like one big con. If you're a bookworm then this is the place to be but if you're passing through, the visit will be very fleeting, so just a head's up.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Francisco Q. 5 months ago on Google
    The British Bookstore is a literary treasure nestled in the heart of British culture. This cozy haven for book lovers offers a unique experience that combines Britain's rich literary tradition with the comfort and warmth of a modern space. From the moment you walk through the door, you're immersed in a world of letters and words. Antique wooden shelves house a vast collection of books, spanning from classics of British literature to the latest offerings from contemporary authors. Whether you're in search of a Jane Austen masterpiece, an intriguing Agatha Christie mystery, or the latest creation from a talented emerging author, you'll find something to quench your reading thirst here. What makes this bookstore even more special is its passionate and knowledgeable staff. The booksellers are always eager to help you find that perfect book, offering recommendations based on your personal tastes and literary interests. They also host regular literary events, from author readings to book clubs, fostering interaction and discussion among the reading community. The ambiance is as charming as the book selection. The décor is a blend of the traditional and the modern, with comfortable armchairs and a cup of tea or coffee always at the ready for you to enjoy while perusing a book or delving into a deeper read. Soft music and dim lighting create a cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger for hours. In summary, the British Bookstore is a place where a passion for literature meets Britain's rich literary heritage. Whether you're an occasional visitor or a regular patron of this literary nook, you'll feel right at home here. It's a place where stories come to life, and each visit is a new literary adventure. Whether you're a lover of classics or a fan of contemporary literature, this bookstore is a must-visit destination for anyone who values the magic of books.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sabrina C. 11 months ago on Google
    Even though I’m just a tourist visiting this library, I can feel the peacefulness inside here. It might be because of the hardworking people here, and also due to the open and elegant interior architectural design inside the building. Spend a few hours here, take a rest and read a book in the middle of your city exploring trip.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SPARKELS7797 2 months ago on Google • 59 reviews New
    The British library is truly remarkable. A massive site filled with books. We visited for the Fantasy event and while it was overpriced it was beyond beautiful for any book fan. The library exhibition was stunning and had some interactive parts. A lovely day out. The library itself is free to visit, the events I would book in advance and they have an activity book for children to keep them entertained ✨
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan J. 1 year ago on Google
    This was the surprise hit of our trip. Besides the impressive Treasures Gallery, we obtained readers cards and consulted some very interesting historical manuscripts related to our individual interests. We wish we had spent an entire day here. Note: you must plan ahead to obtain readers cards, especially if you are under 18.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pedro P. 2 years ago on Google
    By far one of the best, if not the best, free public space to study in London. Is impressive how difficult is to find a decent and free place to study in such a big city as London, fortunately found this one which has plenty of spaces as all you need to work. Although I come here mainly to study the building is definitely worth a walk and look around with nice outdoor space and restaurant.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Suzanne I. 2 years ago on Google
    I was attending a 30 year celebration of the People Show archive at the British library. It was being held in the Knowledge theatre which is just about accessible for a wheelchair user. There must be a lift somewhere once you're in the lobby that takes you up to the bar area then upwards to the theatre itself. I was late, in a hurry so didn't take time to find it. I'm ambulant disabled with a replacement hip that prefers a lift instead of the forty (?)stairs to the bar and the twenty or so after that. Of course there are also steps within the auditorium itself too. The event was two hours and only 20 minutes of it had an interactive element. While very interesting l couldn't help feel l would have been happier listening to it as a podcast or attending it as a webinar. Of course it wasn't pitched at a newcomer like me who is in show 142. It was an opportunity for people show past and present of long standing acquaintance to catch up with each other. I found the carpet pattern in the bar area distractingly busy. I said my goodbyes and left. Price was a little steep l think at £8. Why does a student get a 50% discount and a pensioner a mere 20%. Kind of ageist. However my viewpoint of a single event shouldn't deter you from visiting this excellent venue tucked away behind an unprepossessing facade near Kings cross station. There is a cafe in the piazza so l imagine it's a good meeting place before entering the library. The Alan Turing institute also has a London HQ at the top of a small escalator at the back of the building.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Uzo A. 1 month ago on Google • 141 reviews New
    Great place to access many books from around the world. There are numerous exhibitions on display with some paid and some free. Access to reading room is for paid members only and we managed to find some seating spaces in the restaurant for other diners as we brought lunch from outside. With ½ term they had the family station opened 11am-3pm and there’s a buggy park at the entrance with baby changing facilities on most floors (if you’re lucky to find the lift it’s easy to get around).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nikos P. 3 months ago on Google • 120 reviews New
    A 90s postmodern building housing a huge collection of books with a free exhibition of amazing rarities, including two copies of the original Magna Carta and the 4 folios of Shakespeare’s work. It’s a half an hour - at least - nicely spent among humanities great treasures.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew C. 1 month ago on Google • 180 reviews New
    Stumbled across the family fun day, which was brilliant for us and our sun. So many great activities which were really enjoyed. The lockers to be able to leave coats/bags whilst exploring were really useful.

  • 5/5 Necmiye A. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this library. You can study your lesson by focusing very well in the reading rooms. I feel lucky to be a member of this library.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janine T. 2 years ago on Google
    Great visit! The Paddington Bear exhibition was fantastic! Really enjoyed reading the history behind the story and about Michael Bond's life. Can't wait to see the rest of the library when I get another chance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sruthi M. 2 years ago on Google
    We went to the treasures exhibition and found some amazing documents, books and notes. I had the opportunity to soak in a lot of history!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ivi G. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited the library in the afternoon. it was so quiet and relaxing. I highly recommend this place for people who needs a quiet place for studying or working. Also the staff members were really kind.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alireza Bahramzadeh (. 2 years ago on Google
    I love the exhibition, you find things about all religions like Baha’i and Zoroastrian
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 James 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic treasures exhibition which is free. Security friendly. Had tickets for the Elizabeth and Mary Royal Cousins Exhibition, exhibition itself is must go, real insight showing key documents and great timeline. Felt entry times should be more staggered as it bottlenecked straight away and only really moved along after 20 minutes when further in the exhibition. Man checking tickets could have been more polite as he was not clear he was the one checking them. Shop is good and had a nice coffee across the hall.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rob S. 4 months ago on Google
    The Treasures of the British Library is one of my favourite exhibits in London (and that is a big claim). The real bonus is its free! So many glorious and ulta rare books from Shakespeare's 1st Folio to original letters.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Philip Ian B. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for the Elizabeth and Mary exhibition; excellent layout and not crowded so could spend a lot of time. But you need time! This is crammed full of original documents; incredible but really text heavy. It could do with some more narration - but highly recommended 🥰
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chad G. 1 year ago on Google
    The British Library is greatly iconic and a great place to visit especially outside! Unfortunately there is not much to see inside unless you are doing research and you're a member. However it is nice to visit and maybe go to the gift shop. The coffee shop is great too. Unfortunately sad to see the one outside is now closed?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael N. 2 years ago on Google
    My first visit but I will definitely return. Great exhibitions on Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Paul McCartney exhibition was also good. Saw Shakespeare's first folio. Brilliant visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James G. 1 year ago on Google
    The British Museum opened in 1997 and was one of the largest construction projects ever at the time. It’s right next to St Pancras and is built from exactly the same bricks used on the station. There’s a huge outdoor space with cafes which is ideal for grabbing a quiet spot to sit and read in the summer. Inside there are lots of areas to wander around and perch with a coffee and read. You will need a (free) library card to get into the main reading rooms, and while I haven’t got one yet I intend to! There are also a few areas where you can learn about the history of the building and a book shop with some carefully curated reads to purchase. It’s well worth a trip if you are interested in 20th century architecture, need to escape the rain, need a place to do some quiet work, or, well, find a book.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karthik S. 2 months ago on Google • 114 reviews New
    Really nice exhibitions on display in the British gallery. Enjoyed the Shakespeare books. Also enjoy the gift shop & great cosy & quiet area to get work done too. Plenty of toilets & seats inside too. Staff are all helpful. 👍

  • 5/5 Seweryn S. 1 month ago on Google • 98 reviews New
    The British Library is a place to marvel at its vast collection of books, manuscripts and other precious artefacts. Entrance is free, making it a great opportunity for any lover of literature and history. A myriad of items from different fields of knowledge can be found here, making this a very attractive place for anyone seeking knowledge and inspiration. The British Library is a remarkable place to visit, not only because of the wealth of collections, but also because of the atmosphere, which is conducive to concentration and the discovery of new worlds.

  • 4/5 Bertie C. 4 months ago on Google
    Featured A rather magical fantasy exhibition with beautiful copies of famous fantasy novels as well as appreciating the deep fantasy worlds of video games like dark souls and Skyrim. Opportunity to see original props and costume from Jim Jenson's 'the dark crystal' the library itself is mostly off limits to those without passes but it's still a beautiful sight

  • 5/5 Donna S. 2 years ago on Google
    Best library on the country. Very clean and bright. Good amount of seating. Love this library. Excellent local library. Friendly staff, good selection.

  • 5/5 Valerie H. 5 months ago on Google
    I went to the Fantasy exhibition which is brilliant. I love the whole feeling here anyway. Cafe, shop, spaces to sit. The Treasures of the British Library exhibition and just the fact that they preserve books

  • 5/5 J C. 2 years ago on Google
    Thank you so much to the British Library. Such a amazing event to honour the 50th Independence of Bangladesh. Lovely to see all community's and ethnicities come together and celebrate such a joyous and memorable event in history.

  • 5/5 Allan N. 2 years ago on Google
    It's my first time visiting The British Library, and it looked awesome.

  • 5/5 Eve J. 2 years ago on Google
    We went for a special Paddington Bear exhibition evening. Impressive building. Lovely atmosphere and a lovely little exhibition

  • 5/5 A. D. 2 months ago on Google New
    Great place, though unexpected, right next to the main railway station - St. Pancras. Impressive collection of books from around the world, including very rare specimens that take your breath away. We had about 2 hours before the next attraction, and the visit to the British Library, one of the largest in the world, suited us perfectly. Definitely recommend.

  • 5/5 K A. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful place to visit. The Treasures Gallery is small, but each artifact is fascinating - with well balanced descriptions helping you appreciate even more what you are seeing. Walking round the rest of the building is an enjoyable experience. I probably spent an hour in total here and was very glad I made the trip over

  • 5/5 Cyndi S. 2 years ago on Google
    We always love going here. Today we saw the Treasures of the British Library and it was fabulous! Missed not really being able to eat inside, but we still had coffees.

  • 1/5 Fabs 2 years ago on Google
    Like in a true london sense, this thing is highly exclusive. if you are expecting a place to study and work like any other european library - give it up. its all a private member thing.

  • 5/5 April W. 2 years ago on Google
    I LOVE the Literature Room filled with SO MANY amazing pieces of history. The illuminated scripture is so wonderful to see. It’s a treasure for any lit lover!

  • 5/5 Sosuk R. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place and really busy all the time! Really a great place for photography and for studies. There are some exhibitions as well. Lovely place.

  • 5/5 Deborah G. 2 years ago on Google
    Can't recommend highly enough their Elizabeth & Mary exhibition currently on. The extraordinary documents that tell the complex story, supported by music, lighting, voices reading choice fragments of letters and other texts, create an atmosphere that drew me in so deeply I was there for 2 hours and moved to tears by the end. An experience absolutely not to miss!


Call +44 330 333 1144 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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