British Library 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB England
The British Library
Collection details
Archives, Decorative and Applied Art, Literature, Music, Personalities, Religion, Science and Technology, Social History, World Cultures
Open
Mon, Wed-Fri 0930-1800
Tues 0930-2000
Sat 0930-1700
Sun and English Public Holidays 1100-1700
Closed
24 - 28 December 2007
1 January 2007
Closing at 17.00 23 and 29 - 31 December 2007
Admission charges
Free exhibitions
Description
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the World’s greatest libraries. Set up in 1973, with galleries formerly in the British Museum building, it moved to its spectacular flagship new home at St Pancras in Central London in 1997.
The John Ritblat Gallery: Treasures of the British Library, Pearson Gallery of Living Words and the Workshop of Words, Sound and Images offer permanent displays and a changing programme of special thematic exhibitions. We also have the best permanent display of stamps and philately in the world. The Kings Library, housed in a 17-metre glass-walled tower at the heart of the building, plus a number of major works of art can be seen by all visitors. The Library also offers a wide programme of events - including talks, music and discussions, all developing themes and ideas associated with the collections.
Collections description
The British Library is custodian of the most important research collection in the world, spanning almost 3,000 years and from every continent. This covers books, journals, manuscripts, stamps, patents, sound recordings, printed music and maps.
The John Ritblat Gallery is home to a permanent exhibition of over 200 of the Library's most significant items. These include Codex Sinaiticus (c. 350), Magna Carta (1215), the Gutenberg Bible (1455), Shakespeare's First Folio (1623) - as well as religious, literary, historical and musical works in the handwriting of Leonardo da Vinci, Lord Nelson, Lewis Carroll, Handel, Sir Paul McCartney and many others. The award-winning Turning the Pages was developed by the Library and uses high quality digitised images to simulate actually turning the pages of a precious book.
The Pearson Gallery is home to temporary exhibitions.
The Workshop of Words, Sound and Images is an interactive gallery which traces the story of book production and sound recording.
General Information
Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
Pre-booking service for groups
Information point provided
Parking for coaches
Guided tours
Collections
General guide to collections available
Specialist publications on collections available
Public access available to collections information
Disability Access
General audio-guide available
Induction loops in exhibition spaces
Induction loops in lecture theatres
Large print information and/or interpretation
Parking for disabled available
Toilets for disabled
Wheelchair access to all public areas
Wheelchairs available for loan
Children and Families
Baby changing facilities
Events and resources for children and families
General Education
Academic publications and resources available
Adult lectures and courses held
Education facilities available
General audio-guide available
Loan service
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Reception and lunch facilities for educational groups
Schools Education
Primary school education service available
Printed/audio-visual information available for schools
Secondary school education service available
Facilities
Auditorium
Cafeteria
Facilities for private functions and events
General audio-guide available
Library
Mail order service available
Refreshments
Research facilities for academics
Restaurant
Shop
Study facilities
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