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Original poster

Does anyone here go to the British Library?

36 replies

Waawo · 18/01/2026 21:20

There are a couple of books from the 1930s that I want to read that are really hard to find second hand or in more general lending libraries, but they are of course in the British Library.

How does it work? All I know is what I've read in various novels about going there to study; and what I've read on the BL website.

I know I have to go there in person to get a Reader Pass: is it possible to order an item to look at for the same day? Or do you have to get the pass first, and that then gives you the ability to order things?

No food and drink is allowed in the Reading Rooms; what happens to the items you are studying if you want to go down to the cafe or whatever? Do you have to return them and then re-request them? Are you allowed to leave the building whilst you have items "out", or are you limited to on-site catering options?

Is it really as quiet as people make out? Obviously the website says turn your laptop and phone to silent; but loads of places say that, and it doesn't work most of the time! What would actually happen if someone started watching Tiktoks on loudspeaker?!

Lastly, is taking photographs of items as a kind of note-taking allowed? I.E. for personal reference, not uploading to the internet.

Thanks in advance if you know the answers to any of these or have any other top British Library tips!

OP posts:
Original poster
Waawo · 19/01/2026 08:49

APatternGrammar · 19/01/2026 08:35

Do you live in London? If not, are the books you need at a closer University library that you might be able to access? I’m guessing you’re already using worldcat to see the closest holdings.

Thanks - yeah, I live in London, so it’s not like massive travel or anything. But it’s a good reminder about Uni libraries too, I have Sconul access through OU at the moment so must bear that in mind, if only
because university libraries are usually such nice places to visit :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Waawo · 19/01/2026 08:47

JollyHostess101 · 19/01/2026 08:09

Have you looked to see if your local library offers inter library loads from the British library- where I work do and there is a fee but might be another option!

Edited

Thanks. Yeah that’s a good point, haven’t actually checked that, but I live in London anyway so “expedition” really means “get on the tube” ;)

OP posts:
APatternGrammar · 19/01/2026 08:35

Do you live in London? If not, are the books you need at a closer University library that you might be able to access? I’m guessing you’re already using worldcat to see the closest holdings.

JollyHostess101 · 19/01/2026 08:09

Have you looked to see if your local library offers inter library loads from the British library- where I work do and there is a fee but might be another option!

Original poster
Waawo · 19/01/2026 05:43

MyrtleLion · 18/01/2026 23:11

You can photograph instead of photocopy. Don't use flash. I did it there pre-pandemic.

You have to go in person to London or Boston Spa, Yorkshire.

Bring ID. Full details here: https://www.bl.uk/visit/reader-pass

Thank you! A couple of the things on my list are in the catalogue and show as being in London already with a 70 minute delivery time, so hopefully an enjoyable Saturday awaits :)

OP posts:
MyrtleLion · 18/01/2026 23:11

You can photograph instead of photocopy. Don't use flash. I did it there pre-pandemic.

You have to go in person to London or Boston Spa, Yorkshire.

Bring ID. Full details here: https://www.bl.uk/visit/reader-pass

A man stands talking to a member of staff at a British Library Reading Room help desk

Register or renew your free Reader Pass - The British Library

Get your free British Library Reader Pass to access our collection and use our Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire for research and study.

https://www.bl.uk/visit/reader-pass

Original poster
Waawo · 18/01/2026 21:52

WryNecked · 18/01/2026 21:43

I’ve not been in a while as I no longer live in the UK, and I know some systems have changed since the cyber attack, but yes, the reading rooms are properly quiet, you can only use a laptop or pencil to take notes, you leave your stuff in a
locker, and can only bring in essential items in a clear plastic bag. You can leave items on your desk if you run out quickly to grab a coffee.

You can only order books once you have a reader’s pass, and some arrive fairly quickly because they’re onsite and others come from other sites and may take days. You can see at the time of ordering. No, you’re not allowed to photograph collection items.

Thank you for taking the trouble to reply. Expedition on Saturday in that case I think :)

OP posts:
WryNecked · 18/01/2026 21:43

I’ve not been in a while as I no longer live in the UK, and I know some systems have changed since the cyber attack, but yes, the reading rooms are properly quiet, you can only use a laptop or pencil to take notes, you leave your stuff in a
locker, and can only bring in essential items in a clear plastic bag. You can leave items on your desk if you run out quickly to grab a coffee.

You can only order books once you have a reader’s pass, and some arrive fairly quickly because they’re onsite and others come from other sites and may take days. You can see at the time of ordering. No, you’re not allowed to photograph collection items.

Original poster
Waawo · 18/01/2026 21:37

Wonderbug81 · 18/01/2026 21:26

I've written two books during my time at the British Library. I needed some obscure research books and they were a godsend.

Yes the Reading Rooms are very quiet. Some are busier than others but are told off if they talk.

You can get a locker downstairs to leave your stuff and are given a clear bag to take belongings in (so security can check you aren't nicking books). You can go in and out when you want. Books are kept aside for you IIRC.

The books I took out had a fair use policy, possibly 10% that could be photographed. Can't remember the percentage now.

Also can't exactly remember the Reader Pass situation in terms of timings but should be on the site.

It's a stunning place to read and work.

Show quote history

Thank you! Sounds blissful, especially the part about people being told off for being too noisy :)

OP posts:
Wonderbug81 · 18/01/2026 21:27

*people are told off

Wonderbug81 · 18/01/2026 21:26

Waawo · 18/01/2026 21:20

There are a couple of books from the 1930s that I want to read that are really hard to find second hand or in more general lending libraries, but they are of course in the British Library.

How does it work? All I know is what I've read in various novels about going there to study; and what I've read on the BL website.

I know I have to go there in person to get a Reader Pass: is it possible to order an item to look at for the same day? Or do you have to get the pass first, and that then gives you the ability to order things?

No food and drink is allowed in the Reading Rooms; what happens to the items you are studying if you want to go down to the cafe or whatever? Do you have to return them and then re-request them? Are you allowed to leave the building whilst you have items "out", or are you limited to on-site catering options?

Is it really as quiet as people make out? Obviously the website says turn your laptop and phone to silent; but loads of places say that, and it doesn't work most of the time! What would actually happen if someone started watching Tiktoks on loudspeaker?!

Lastly, is taking photographs of items as a kind of note-taking allowed? I.E. for personal reference, not uploading to the internet.

Thanks in advance if you know the answers to any of these or have any other top British Library tips!

I've written two books during my time at the British Library. I needed some obscure research books and they were a godsend.

Yes the Reading Rooms are very quiet. Some are busier than others but are told off if they talk.

You can get a locker downstairs to leave your stuff and are given a clear bag to take belongings in (so security can check you aren't nicking books). You can go in and out when you want. Books are kept aside for you IIRC.

The books I took out had a fair use policy, possibly 10% that could be photographed. Can't remember the percentage now.

Also can't exactly remember the Reader Pass situation in terms of timings but should be on the site.

It's a stunning place to read and work.

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