At St Pancras (Euston Road, London NW1) we have 11 Reading Rooms, each specialising in a different subject area or type of material and with different opening hours. In our Reading Rooms you can:
- Consult books, journals and other items from our collections
- Access a wide range of electronic resources and electronic journals
- Ask for help from information specialists at the Reference Enquiry desks
- Consult subject guides, bibliographies and other research aids.
Register for a Reader Pass
To use our Reading Rooms you must register for a Reader Pass; you will need to bring two forms of identification with you.
Reader FAQs
These FAQs can help new readers make the best use of their time in the London Reading Rooms.
Video guides to using the Library
Watch short guides to getting a Reader Pass, using the Reading Room and ordering from the collections.
Conditions of Use of the Library's Reading Rooms
Admission to the Library's Reading Rooms requires a Reader Pass, which is issued subject to our Conditions of Use.
Plan your visit
The Reading Rooms are often very busy; we advise you to consider your needs before you plan your visit.
Accessibility
Information for readers who have difficulty accessing our Reading Rooms or our collections.
Reading Rooms subject focus
Each Reading Room specialises in different subject areas.
Reference Team
Whatever the subject of your research we have information specialists who can help you.
How to order items
We recommend you order items in advance of your visit since most items at St Pancras, and all items at Boston Spa, are held in closed storage.
Listening and Viewing Service
Access to the Sound Archive's collections of audio and video material.
Workshops
British Library information specialists provide a range of workshops and training events.
Copy services
We have self-service copying facilities and an assisted copy service.
Cloakroom and lockers
You cannot take outer coats and bags into our Reading Rooms.
Laptop use
You may bring your own laptop or PDA into the Reading Rooms subject to conditions.
Use of carrels
Conditions relating to use of carrels in the St Pancras Reading Rooms.
