British Library
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We’re the national library of the UK.
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'Nothing is pleasanter to me than exploring a library'
— Walter Savage Landor
— Walter Savage Landor
The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway in Italy where 2,900 athletes from 92 National Olympic Committees will take part in Alpine skiing, curling, ice hockey and more. Find out how you can help preserve web content for this historic event here: link.bl.uk/7yj
#Olympics @netpreserve.bsky.social
#Olympics @netpreserve.bsky.social
February 6, 2026 at 2:57 PM
The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway in Italy where 2,900 athletes from 92 National Olympic Committees will take part in Alpine skiing, curling, ice hockey and more. Find out how you can help preserve web content for this historic event here: link.bl.uk/7yj
#Olympics @netpreserve.bsky.social
#Olympics @netpreserve.bsky.social
Using our collection for your research? Join one of our open days for a deep dive into the collection areas most relevant to your research and the opportunity to pick the brains of our experts.
Find out what areas we’re exploring this spring and book your place. link.bl.uk/DoctoralOpenDays
Find out what areas we’re exploring this spring and book your place. link.bl.uk/DoctoralOpenDays
February 5, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Using our collection for your research? Join one of our open days for a deep dive into the collection areas most relevant to your research and the opportunity to pick the brains of our experts.
Find out what areas we’re exploring this spring and book your place. link.bl.uk/DoctoralOpenDays
Find out what areas we’re exploring this spring and book your place. link.bl.uk/DoctoralOpenDays
Apply for our PhD placement scheme to get involved in extraordinary research at the Library. There are eight available placements exploring a variety of themes including war poetry, 21st-century digital tools, illustrated newspapers and decarbonisation.
Find out more: link.bl.uk/PhDPlacements
Find out more: link.bl.uk/PhDPlacements
February 4, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Apply for our PhD placement scheme to get involved in extraordinary research at the Library. There are eight available placements exploring a variety of themes including war poetry, 21st-century digital tools, illustrated newspapers and decarbonisation.
Find out more: link.bl.uk/PhDPlacements
Find out more: link.bl.uk/PhDPlacements
Want to learn more about how libraries can promote positive climate action?
Join us on 26 February to explore how libraries can contribute to a circular economy.
Book your free place: link.bl.uk/9sy
Join us on 26 February to explore how libraries can contribute to a circular economy.
Book your free place: link.bl.uk/9sy
February 2, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Want to learn more about how libraries can promote positive climate action?
Join us on 26 February to explore how libraries can contribute to a circular economy.
Book your free place: link.bl.uk/9sy
Join us on 26 February to explore how libraries can contribute to a circular economy.
Book your free place: link.bl.uk/9sy
A dragon has landed at the British Library 🐉
Created exclusively for Fairy Tales, this new illustration from the legendary Chris Riddell will guard the doors to our magical family exhibition opening in March.
Tickets are now on sale at link.bl.uk/FairyTales
Created exclusively for Fairy Tales, this new illustration from the legendary Chris Riddell will guard the doors to our magical family exhibition opening in March.
Tickets are now on sale at link.bl.uk/FairyTales
January 30, 2026 at 10:51 AM
A dragon has landed at the British Library 🐉
Created exclusively for Fairy Tales, this new illustration from the legendary Chris Riddell will guard the doors to our magical family exhibition opening in March.
Tickets are now on sale at link.bl.uk/FairyTales
Created exclusively for Fairy Tales, this new illustration from the legendary Chris Riddell will guard the doors to our magical family exhibition opening in March.
Tickets are now on sale at link.bl.uk/FairyTales
Today marks Holocaust Memorial Day, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp.
To commemorate, we’re sharing a small selection of survivors’ stories from our collection – voices preserved in memory and testimony.
Read here: link.bl.uk/hij
To commemorate, we’re sharing a small selection of survivors’ stories from our collection – voices preserved in memory and testimony.
Read here: link.bl.uk/hij
January 27, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Today marks Holocaust Memorial Day, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp.
To commemorate, we’re sharing a small selection of survivors’ stories from our collection – voices preserved in memory and testimony.
Read here: link.bl.uk/hij
To commemorate, we’re sharing a small selection of survivors’ stories from our collection – voices preserved in memory and testimony.
Read here: link.bl.uk/hij
Looking to grow your library career? Don’t miss the chance to join us this summer for our International Library Leaders Programme. Applications close on 5 February.
Learn more: link.bl.uk/ILLP2026
Learn more: link.bl.uk/ILLP2026
January 22, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Looking to grow your library career? Don’t miss the chance to join us this summer for our International Library Leaders Programme. Applications close on 5 February.
Learn more: link.bl.uk/ILLP2026
Learn more: link.bl.uk/ILLP2026
We're delighted to have acquired the archive of writer and essayist Ronald Blythe, best known for book Akenfield, which explores changing rural life in Suffolk during the 20th century.
Discover more in this blog post by curator Helen Melody: link.bl.uk/86s
Discover more in this blog post by curator Helen Melody: link.bl.uk/86s
January 16, 2026 at 1:38 PM
We're delighted to have acquired the archive of writer and essayist Ronald Blythe, best known for book Akenfield, which explores changing rural life in Suffolk during the 20th century.
Discover more in this blog post by curator Helen Melody: link.bl.uk/86s
Discover more in this blog post by curator Helen Melody: link.bl.uk/86s
Due to an issue with the water supply, our Boston Spa Reading Room will be closed on Friday 16 January.
There is also the possibility of disruption on Monday 19 January, please check our social media channels for any updates before you visit.
We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
There is also the possibility of disruption on Monday 19 January, please check our social media channels for any updates before you visit.
We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
January 15, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Due to an issue with the water supply, our Boston Spa Reading Room will be closed on Friday 16 January.
There is also the possibility of disruption on Monday 19 January, please check our social media channels for any updates before you visit.
We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
There is also the possibility of disruption on Monday 19 January, please check our social media channels for any updates before you visit.
We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Coming soon…Story Explorers in Leeds 🚀 🐯 🌊
Our popular Story Explorers exhibition is launching off to Leeds Central Library. Explore imaginary worlds in this free, playful family experience.
Find out more here: link.bl.uk/gpg
Our popular Story Explorers exhibition is launching off to Leeds Central Library. Explore imaginary worlds in this free, playful family experience.
Find out more here: link.bl.uk/gpg
January 15, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Coming soon…Story Explorers in Leeds 🚀 🐯 🌊
Our popular Story Explorers exhibition is launching off to Leeds Central Library. Explore imaginary worlds in this free, playful family experience.
Find out more here: link.bl.uk/gpg
Our popular Story Explorers exhibition is launching off to Leeds Central Library. Explore imaginary worlds in this free, playful family experience.
Find out more here: link.bl.uk/gpg
Have you completed a PhD in the last 10 years? Applications are open for our Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship in Sustainability and Environment. Funding covers an £8000 bursary for part-time (0.5) research over 8 months, plus travel expenses. Apply by Monday 9 February. link.bl.uk/VisitingFellowship
January 14, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Have you completed a PhD in the last 10 years? Applications are open for our Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship in Sustainability and Environment. Funding covers an £8000 bursary for part-time (0.5) research over 8 months, plus travel expenses. Apply by Monday 9 February. link.bl.uk/VisitingFellowship
English teachers! Don't miss our free online CPD session exploring The Tempest on 3 February.
Join Professor Emma Smith, and teacher and author Michael Donkor for fresh ideas, tips and resources, as we explore the thorny role of magic in the play.
Find out more here: link.bl.uk/CPDTempest
Join Professor Emma Smith, and teacher and author Michael Donkor for fresh ideas, tips and resources, as we explore the thorny role of magic in the play.
Find out more here: link.bl.uk/CPDTempest
Teacher CPD: The Tempest in context | British Library
Get new inspiration, practical tips and resources for teaching The Tempest at Key Stage 4 – 5, with Professor Emma Smith and teacher and author Michael Don
link.bl.uk
January 7, 2026 at 1:22 PM
English teachers! Don't miss our free online CPD session exploring The Tempest on 3 February.
Join Professor Emma Smith, and teacher and author Michael Donkor for fresh ideas, tips and resources, as we explore the thorny role of magic in the play.
Find out more here: link.bl.uk/CPDTempest
Join Professor Emma Smith, and teacher and author Michael Donkor for fresh ideas, tips and resources, as we explore the thorny role of magic in the play.
Find out more here: link.bl.uk/CPDTempest
Want to level up your library career this year?
We’re looking for international mid-career library and archive professionals to join us this summer at our International Library Leaders Programme.
Learn more link.bl.uk/ILLP2026
We’re looking for international mid-career library and archive professionals to join us this summer at our International Library Leaders Programme.
Learn more link.bl.uk/ILLP2026
January 6, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Want to level up your library career this year?
We’re looking for international mid-career library and archive professionals to join us this summer at our International Library Leaders Programme.
Learn more link.bl.uk/ILLP2026
We’re looking for international mid-career library and archive professionals to join us this summer at our International Library Leaders Programme.
Learn more link.bl.uk/ILLP2026
It’s your last chance to see Secret Maps!
Closing 18 January, don’t miss your final chance to explore some of the world’s most mysterious maps. 🗺️
We are expecting the final weeks of the exhibition to be very busy so book in advance to guarantee entry.
Book now: link.bl.uk/SecretMaps
Closing 18 January, don’t miss your final chance to explore some of the world’s most mysterious maps. 🗺️
We are expecting the final weeks of the exhibition to be very busy so book in advance to guarantee entry.
Book now: link.bl.uk/SecretMaps
January 5, 2026 at 2:25 PM
It’s your last chance to see Secret Maps!
Closing 18 January, don’t miss your final chance to explore some of the world’s most mysterious maps. 🗺️
We are expecting the final weeks of the exhibition to be very busy so book in advance to guarantee entry.
Book now: link.bl.uk/SecretMaps
Closing 18 January, don’t miss your final chance to explore some of the world’s most mysterious maps. 🗺️
We are expecting the final weeks of the exhibition to be very busy so book in advance to guarantee entry.
Book now: link.bl.uk/SecretMaps
A New Year’s greeting from the collection!
Wishing you all a thoughtful and hopeful start to the year ahead.
🖼 Gift Cards for the New Year by W.Place Dickes, 1874
#BritishLibrary #Library #Collection #HappyNewYear
Wishing you all a thoughtful and hopeful start to the year ahead.
🖼 Gift Cards for the New Year by W.Place Dickes, 1874
#BritishLibrary #Library #Collection #HappyNewYear
January 1, 2026 at 10:23 AM
A New Year’s greeting from the collection!
Wishing you all a thoughtful and hopeful start to the year ahead.
🖼 Gift Cards for the New Year by W.Place Dickes, 1874
#BritishLibrary #Library #Collection #HappyNewYear
Wishing you all a thoughtful and hopeful start to the year ahead.
🖼 Gift Cards for the New Year by W.Place Dickes, 1874
#BritishLibrary #Library #Collection #HappyNewYear
December 24, 2025 at 11:22 AM
To mark Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, we hosted Wild About Jane Austen: The Woman Behind the Novels, an event exploring Austen as an ambitious, politically aware writer.
Watch the full event on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4_V...
#BritishLibrary #Libraries #JaneAusten250
Watch the full event on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4_V...
#BritishLibrary #Libraries #JaneAusten250
Wild About Jane Austen: The Woman Behind the Novels
YouTube video by British Library
www.youtube.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:09 PM
To mark Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, we hosted Wild About Jane Austen: The Woman Behind the Novels, an event exploring Austen as an ambitious, politically aware writer.
Watch the full event on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4_V...
#BritishLibrary #Libraries #JaneAusten250
Watch the full event on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4_V...
#BritishLibrary #Libraries #JaneAusten250
As we reflect on a year of inspiration at the Library, we wanted to thank our partners, sponsors and Business Members for their support including Wayland Games, JP Morgan, Bloomberg, Miele, Netflix, RELX and Bloomsbury Publishing alongside other donors.
Learn more link.bl.uk/BusinessPartnerships
Learn more link.bl.uk/BusinessPartnerships
December 17, 2025 at 5:34 PM
As we reflect on a year of inspiration at the Library, we wanted to thank our partners, sponsors and Business Members for their support including Wayland Games, JP Morgan, Bloomberg, Miele, Netflix, RELX and Bloomsbury Publishing alongside other donors.
Learn more link.bl.uk/BusinessPartnerships
Learn more link.bl.uk/BusinessPartnerships
We’re excited to share our new main catalogue, making it easier for you to find and request the majority of our published collection. We’ve also launched an interim version of our Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue. Find out how to start searching and requesting on our website bit.ly/BLNewCatalogues
December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
We’re excited to share our new main catalogue, making it easier for you to find and request the majority of our published collection. We’ve also launched an interim version of our Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue. Find out how to start searching and requesting on our website bit.ly/BLNewCatalogues
We can confirm that all St Pancras Reading Rooms will be closed this week due to the current strike action. They will reopen on Saturday 13 December. We're very sorry for the disruption this may cause to your research. Find all service updates on our website. bit.ly/StrikeActionDec2025
December 8, 2025 at 4:28 PM
We can confirm that all St Pancras Reading Rooms will be closed this week due to the current strike action. They will reopen on Saturday 13 December. We're very sorry for the disruption this may cause to your research. Find all service updates on our website. bit.ly/StrikeActionDec2025
Due to ongoing strike action, all St Pancras Reading Rooms will be closed today (8 December). We are also likely to have to close our Reading Rooms for the rest of the week and will update if this is the case. Please make sure you check our service updates before you visit: bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Planned strike action in St Pancras
We have been notified of planned strike action taking place between Monday 8 and Friday 12 December 2025.
bit.ly
December 8, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Due to ongoing strike action, all St Pancras Reading Rooms will be closed today (8 December). We are also likely to have to close our Reading Rooms for the rest of the week and will update if this is the case. Please make sure you check our service updates before you visit: bit.ly/StrikeAction...
Planned strike action taking place between 8 and 12 December will affect our services including an extension to our collection access suspension. There is also the possibility of short notice disruption. Please make sure you check our latest status updates before you visit bit.ly/StrikeActionDec2025
Planned strike action in St Pancras
We have been notified of planned strike action taking place between Monday 8 and Friday 12 December 2025.
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Planned strike action taking place between 8 and 12 December will affect our services including an extension to our collection access suspension. There is also the possibility of short notice disruption. Please make sure you check our latest status updates before you visit bit.ly/StrikeActionDec2025
English teachers! Explore our new resources designed to help widen the representation of ethnically diverse authors in your classroom. Find a timeline charting South Asian writing in Britain, articles and short films on Andrea Levy, Olaudah Equiano and more: bit.ly/BLDiscoveringLiteratureResources
December 5, 2025 at 1:58 PM
English teachers! Explore our new resources designed to help widen the representation of ethnically diverse authors in your classroom. Find a timeline charting South Asian writing in Britain, articles and short films on Andrea Levy, Olaudah Equiano and more: bit.ly/BLDiscoveringLiteratureResources
Arab astronomers in the early Islamic Golden Age were pioneers of science and innovation. They developed technologies for navigation, timekeeping and the study of the cosmos.
Discover the texts that shaped the training of these scholars: www.qdl.qa/en
Discover the texts that shaped the training of these scholars: www.qdl.qa/en
December 4, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Arab astronomers in the early Islamic Golden Age were pioneers of science and innovation. They developed technologies for navigation, timekeeping and the study of the cosmos.
Discover the texts that shaped the training of these scholars: www.qdl.qa/en
Discover the texts that shaped the training of these scholars: www.qdl.qa/en
Our services will be affected between 8 and 12 December due to planned strike action at our St Pancras site. This includes an extension to our current collection access suspension.
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 8 and Friday 12 December 2025.
bit.ly
December 3, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Our services will be affected between 8 and 12 December due to planned strike action at our St Pancras site. This includes an extension to our current collection access suspension.
To check what’s impacted, please visit our website. bit.ly/StrikeAction...
To check what’s impacted, please visit our website. bit.ly/StrikeAction...