(AGENPARL) – sab 01 luglio 2023 And explore ways you can get involved
For research, inspiration
and enjoyment
For research, inspiration and enjoyment
We are 50!
Today we celebrate 50 years of being the UK’s national library and reflect on all the people who have used our collection, spaces and advice to spark ideas and transform lives. Whether you’ve researched in our Reading Rooms, found inspiration in our exhibitions, joined an event, taken a course or been given expert help in our Business & IP Centre. We want to thank everyone who has supported the Library and invite you to [celebrate this special anniversary with us](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABT-1/c.aspx).
Perhaps our user stories will inspire you to start a new journey with us? Because together we’re just getting started.
Ever wondered what’s happening at the desk next to yours?
We’ve collected stories from a range of very different Library users – read on to learn how we could help you to expand your horizons.
[Read more about Bringing Inspiration from the Reading Room to the Catwalk](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABU-1/c.aspx)
Mihai Popescu, fashion designer
Mihai read about his Romanian heritage, turned traditional crafts into cutting-edge designs, and won the 2022 Fashion Research Competition run together by us and the British Fashion Council.
[Read Mihai’s story](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABU-1/c.aspx)
[Read more about Finding Forgotten Women in the Collection ](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABV-1/c.aspx)
Zing Tsjeng, author of Forgotten Women
Zing, the Editor in Chief of VICE and VICE UK, scoured out-of-print texts, brought unsung heroines to light, and shared revelatory stories with her readers.
[Read Zing’s story](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABV-1/c.aspx)
[Read more about Dreaming Up a Chocolate Factory in the Business & IP Centre](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABW-1/c.aspx)
Amarachi Clarke, ethical chocolate-maker
Amarachi combed through industry trends, got expert help with her business strategy, and launched Lucocoa, a business that’s revolutionising ethical, fair, and sustainable practices within the cocoa industry.
[Read Amarachi’s story](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABW-1/c.aspx)
[Read more about Becoming One of the British Library’s Most Prolific Authors](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABX-1/c.aspx)
Alex Johnson, author
Journalist Alex became one of British Library Publishing’s most prolific authors and used our digital collection imagery to illustrate his books, which range from jokes to fostering a love of literature for children.
[Read Alex’s story](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABX-1/c.aspx)
[Explore our pay what you can events](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABY-1/c.aspx)
Pay what you can events
Celebrate our 50th birthday with a series of events where you decide the price of your tickets. Delve into immersive audio journeys, explore enchanting tales of a river, hear acclaimed authors share their literary favourites, and discover the Library like never before with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours.
[See what’s on](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABY-1/c.aspx)
[Watch Homecoming: the story of the Blavatnik Honresfield Library](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABZ-1/c.aspx)
Saving works by Austen, the Brontës, Burns and Scott
The Blavatnik Honresfield library is one of the greatest collections of British 19th century literary manuscripts and printed books held by a private collector. No single institution had the funds to acquire it. Hear the dramatic tale of how this astonishing collection was saved for the nation and future generations.
[Watch our documentary](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQABZ-1/c.aspx)
[Donate to the British Library](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC0-1/c.aspx)
Your support makes a difference
As a charity, we rely on your generosity to open up a world of ideas for everyone.
£20 today could contribute to digitisation costs and make more of our collection readily available to students and researchers, fuelling the minds that will shape the future.
[Donate now](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC0-1/c.aspx)
[Read our blog: British Library acquires Beatles 1963 concert recording](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC1-1/c.aspx)
New acquisition of The Beatles performing
At a school concert on 4 April 1963, student John Bloomfield recorded a live performance by The Beatles, who were just at the cusp of global stardom. It captured 22 tracks including multiple future classics, as well as the band’s quips to their audience. John donated the tape to us, and now Readers will be able to access the recording in our Reading Rooms.
[Read more](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC1-1/c.aspx)
Make a lasting connection
Our collection is shaped by incredible acts of generosity. Become part of our future by [naming a seat](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC2-1/c.aspx) in your favourite Reading Room, or create a lasting legacy by [leaving us a gift in your will](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC3-1/c.aspx).
You’ll be making a gift to everyone who relies on our collection, now and in the future.
If you’re feeling inspired
Explore ways you can learn with us by joining us for one of our [adult learning courses](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC4-1/c.aspx).
[Book now for Drawing Animals: Drawing from Art and Life](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC5-1/c.aspx)
Drawing Animals: Drawing from Art and Life
Sat 8 – Sun 9 Jul 2023
At the Library and London Zoo
[Book now](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC6-1/c.aspx)
[Book now for Beasts, Marvels and Masterpieces: Discovering Middle English Literature](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC7-1/c.aspx)
Beasts, Marvels and Masterpieces
Tue 5 Sep – Tue 10 Oct 2023
At the Library
[Book now](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC8-1/c.aspx)
[Book now for Fiction as Dialogue Interactive Fiction Summer School](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQAC9-1/c.aspx)
Interactive Fiction Summer School
Mon 21 – Fri 25 Aug 2023
At the Library
[Book now](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQACA-1/c.aspx)
[Explore books to adopt ](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQACB-1/c.aspx)
Adopt a book today
We care for 170 million items, from Shakespeare’s First Folio to first editions of your favourite books.
Help us conserve our collection and the extraordinary stories within it by adopting a book from £40 today, whether for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
[Choose your title](https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/5JXV-TSU6-6TJVT-LQACB-1/c.aspx)