The British Library

Introduction

The British Library is really different library from other ones. A lot of people from all over the world including the tourists come there. On average, 2,500 people visits there every day. What does attract so many people? What is so special? We would introduce you about the British Library.

General Information

First of all, we would like to mention about general information. It is a national library of the United Kingdom and one of the great libraries of the world. It is located near King’s cross, St Pancras, Euston and Euston Square station, 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB.(*1)  The opening hours are below(*2). A lot of public events are held at the British Library. It includes 11 reading rooms and over 1200 places to readers and has 12.5 million books, 45 million patents, 2 million map items, 300,000 manuscripts, 8 million stamps and philatelic items, and millions of other items including sound recordings, works of art, seals and photographs. But unfortunately, everyone cannot borrow the books or items above. You should register for a reader pass at first with personal identification and proof of address, specific references about full details of the items you want to see from the library’s catalogues and something which prove your belongings like business card, student card and so on. If you get the readers pass, you are allowed to use the reading room. But you still have many prohibited manner, you are not permitted to take your coats, bags, umbrella, pens, sharp implements and camera with you. It is managed under such strict rules.

*1

*2

Exhibition galleries and the shop

Reading Rooms 



 Reader Registration

History of the British Library

Next, we would like to state about the history. It was established in July 1973 after integration of the national library in the UK such as the library departments of the British Museum, the National Central Library, and the National Lending Library for Science and Technology under the British Library Act. At that time, a new building was not constructed and books are stocked in each library separately but the big one, current the British Library, was established because they have a space shortage. Then the British Library was completed in 1998.

How to enjoy the British library

As you read in the general information, the British Library is a research library so it is difficult to borrow books. Then, how can you enjoy it?

At first, you can see the wonderful collections in the library. There are some galleries you might enjoy: Digital gallery, PACCAR gallery and Folio society gallery, however, I strongly recommend you to go to The Sir John Ritblat Gallery. It is a permanent gallery and provides us “the treasures of world-class collections”. Their collections have wide variety, for example, Lewis Carroll’s original manuscript of Alice’s adventures Under Ground, Captain Scott’s diary which records his journey to the South Pole and the documents of Magna Carta. There are even the original hand-written lyrics by The Beatles. If you are not a big fan of The Beatles, you can learn it little bit and we are sure you will enjoy it!

Secondly, you can join the interesting events. In the British Library, there are a number of events available for free such as Library Tours, Viewing Tours for groups, dance performances and lectures. If you have enough money, it is good idea to pay money and try other lots of fascinating programme. (Most of them cost only 6-8pounds.) They will help you to deepen your knowledge and to improve your listening skill.

Finally, you can go to cafe to have great time in a library. We think people in the UK do not get together without alcohol or a nice cafe. There are coffee, cakes, sandwiches...etc, but our recommendations are hot chocolates and a pie with lots of cheese. At the cafe, you can finish your homework, chat with your friends and so on. We are very confident that you will find it very comfortable and like it!

Conclusion

As you read about the British Library, you might notice that how different it was comparing with Japanese libraries. In Japan, we cannot see such a great galleries at the libraries. Moreover, it is difficult to enjoy nice tea at the same place, too.

I hope you enjoyed our writing and found some useful information. Have a wonderful time at the British Library!

For further information;

http://www.bl.uk/

editting by Satomi Nakano, Eri Mashima