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British Library
Library
London
The folks at Time Out London and Londonist like this place. Would you agree?
"Wow, absolutely love the Reading Rooms."(14 Tips)
"usually not crowded exhibit of the Magna Carta"(7 Tips)
"Royal Manuscripts exhibition"(5 Tips)
"Good for informal meetings and has Business and IP centre resource."(5 Tips)
173 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- manuscripts
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Coffee machine at the third floor (Friends room). 65-85 pence
Gareth PittJuly 3, 2014Working al fresco - wifi, good coffee and great facilities. Suitable for meetings too.
It's such a shame on the weekends it closes at 5 and they hustle you out before then. Best place to read in London
Isha HartonoJanuary 18, 2016Great to get work done with cafe and free wifi. Only open till 8pm tho :(
Little ScrapesDecember 30, 2015Besides books, there's a rotating schedule of really interesting exhibitions.- meezan rahmanFebruary 27, 2016Wow, absolutely love the Reading Rooms. This is how every library should be.
The social science and science reading rooms get full early. Try one of the other rooms. Also, order any books you need before going to the library. It takes at least 70 minutes for them to arrive.
Manic MynaMarch 16, 2018weird concert venue - sound was good even outside of the main zone between the stage amps and the mixing desk
There is a "secret" lounge on the top floor where you can eat your own food. Avoid those exorbitant cafe prices.
Jennifer CarterFebruary 27, 2015Need a pass to look at books, but the atrium is pretty cool - especially the Kings Library!
Gets hellishly busy and wi-fi quality is appalling at times, but where else you can get so much done?
National Maritime MuseumJuly 11, 2011Houses the journal of ill-fated Antarctic explorer, Captain Scott (1868-1912), who joined his first ship aged 13. The final entry reads ‘for God’s sake look after our people’. Find your maritime story Read more
Geer OskamSeptember 15, 2012Go see the fantastic Treasures from the Collection - Jane Austin's diary, first printed book (China 878 AD!)
Hilmi RamlanMay 10, 2011The Business & IP centre is a Mecca for Ad Execs, Planners, Strategists and Creatives. Also for businesses/startups. Market research holy grail.
Terena BellJune 17, 2013The Magna Carts is up the first flight of stairs and to the left in the National Treasures room.
Hostelling InternationalAugust 8, 2011IF you are a book lover, do not miss British Library. Many original manuscripts are on displayed. - Srivannee (Canada)
For adventurers only: on Sunday try to stay in the building 5mins after closing time to finish your stuff on laptop and you'll be kicked out like a criminal! Heh
Valentina CiolinoMarch 22, 2015Cloakroom is free but go a little ahead of time as the queue gets long!
Spotted by Locals - city guides by localsJuly 29, 2015Go and visit the permanent collection! It's free! Read more
Deborah SmythFebruary 14, 2013John Gielgud's script of Murder on the Orient Express - check out the doodles on the left!
The English Language exhibit is superb - you will need at least an hour, maybe two. Look at the map of voice recordings in the UK... x- Zoe StantonOctober 11, 2011Good for informal meetings and has Business and IP centre resource. You have to me a member to access reading rooms.
Liam ProvenSeptember 27, 2011It's the British Library! It needs no introduction. It's not as intimidating inside. Go in, have a wander round. It's free, historic and epic. Read more
If it's a busy period, go for the Business and IP room, it's always quieter.- britishlibraryJanuary 16, 2012If you have enoyed the Royal Manuscripts exhibition you will be interested in this BBC Four series http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b019h3g2
Good cafe selling good quality food and drink, but the service is painfully slow, abrupt and hopelessly disorganised.
Our digital company was built on the information and resources from this library. Loads of information for start-ups.
Daniel MarečekNovember 1, 2013Hello, this is greeting of developer from National library of technology in Prague CZ. Have a nice time ;)
Marwa KhalilJanuary 18, 2014Closes early in the weekend. Plus you need to allow at least one hour for major exhibitions.
1,834 Photos
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Yes, we have a copy of just about every book ever published in Britain. But we also stage events and run exhibitions. We have free wi-fi too! Visit us soon.
Closed until 9:30 AM tomorrow (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 9:30 AM–8:00 PM
- Fri
- 9:30 AM–6:00 PM
- Sat
- 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Sun
- 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
+44 1937 546060
Features
Wi-Fi
Yes
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Places inside British Library
- 7.1
"Churros here is amazing. The staff here are great too."
Alastair Tse - 7.3
"Free wi-fi offered by The British Library upon registration."
Iván Farías - 8.9
"Great people & the best coffee. If you brew your own at home and need a freshly roasted bag of beans, try the Pathfinder. They’ll give you a free coffee of choice to drink in too"
Fatima Al-Halwachi
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