For book lovers and history enthusiasts, visiting the British Library is undoubtedly a dream experience of a lifetime. Located in St. Pancras, London, this library is not only architecturally majestic but also a true treasure trove of knowledge, housing 170 million items in various languages and formats. Join Cyclopes as we delve into the distinctive features, rich collections, and famous footsteps of the British Library.
Introduction to the British Library
The British Library was originally part of the British Museum's reading room, established in 1753. It wasn't until 1972, when the British Library Act was passed by Parliament, that the British Museum Library merged with several other libraries and organisations, such as the National Central Library and the British National Bibliography, to form the British Library.
The British Library is one of the largest academic research libraries in the world. Its collections include books, journals, manuscripts, maps, scores, newspapers, patents, databases, stamps, paintings, and sound archives. These collections not only represent the culmination of human knowledge but also chronicle thousands of years of history and hundreds of languages.
Source: Freepik
Architectural Features and Must-See Sections of the British Library
The architectural design of the British Library, inspired by an ocean liner, was crafted by the architect Colin St John Wilson. The main library building in St. Pancras, adjacent to the Victorian Gothic Revival architecture of St Pancras station, offers a striking contrast in styles, both of which are popular tourist destinations in London. Inside the library, the 'Treasures' gallery showcases the library's precious artefacts, including Mozart's music manuscripts and Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, making it one of the most captivating sections of the library.
Over 150 Million Items to Explore
The British Library's collection is vast, with approximately 140 million books alone. Each year, around three million new items are added, necessitating 11 kilometres of new shelving. Iconic items in the collection include the Magna Carta, the Lindisfarne Gospels, Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, and original lyrics penned by the Beatles. These invaluable collections make the British Library a critical resource for research and study.
Source: British Library
Interesting Facts and Figures about the British Library
The Iconic Reading Room is Not in the British Library
When searching for images of the British Library online, you might often see photos of a Victorian dome reading room. However, this reading room is not located within the current British Library building but inside the British Museum. Originally part of the British Library, the reading room has witnessed the presence of scholars and dignitaries such as Marx, Lenin, Wilde, and Gandhi.
It Would Take 80,000 Years to See Every Item
With over 170 million items, if you viewed five items per day, it would take approximately 80,000 years to see everything in the British Library. Additionally, with nearly three million new items added annually, the library would need shelves stretching over eight kilometres to accommodate them.
Source: Freepik
Among the Most Unusual Collections is Human Hair
The British Library's holdings include some of the world's most unique items, such as the Klencke Atlas, one of the largest atlases in the world, which requires several people to open and measures 176 x 231 cm when opened. The library also houses quirky items like strands of famous authors’ hair, the oldest hand-drawn star charts, and E. H. Shepard's original Winnie the Pooh clay models. These collections not only showcase human creativity and intellect but also reflect the cultural and social milieus of various eras.
Admission to the British Library is free, although some special exhibitions may charge a fee. Be sure to check the British Museum website for the latest information before planning your visit. The stunning architecture, extensive collections, and the footsteps of many celebrities make the British Library a distinctive feature. We hope this introduction to the British Library helps you appreciate this repository of knowledge even more. Lastly, if you have any questions about studying in the UK, please contact the Cyclopes educational consultants for assistance.