(AGENPARL) – Wed 27 August 2025 Find out more about their history in the UK
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For research, inspiration and enjoyment
The Public Library Act 1850 enabled town councils to establish libraries and museums. One hundred and seventy-five years later, we’re still discovering the many benefits that public libraries offer their users. Read on to find out about the origins of these institutions, and the impact of our own work with local libraries around the UK. Plus you can book now for our autumn programme, as well as our new exhibition opening in October.
Discover the origins of public libraries
Would libraries spread the plague? Corrupt public morals? Or dissuade patrons from attending dog-fights? The Public Library Act 1850 was an important first step towards universal free access to literature. But there was plenty of debate about what libraries might become.
Read more > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QwL2AARjpn7sFIOL7ph2a-SX_DzupivnexkbT7YuYV1LmJ0dxsDwpzI5HSvnmhw )
Uncover the power of libraries
Have you heard of the Living Knowledge Network, our partnership of libraries across the UK? When we opened our exhibition Beyond the Bassline, it appeared simultaneously as a panel display across public libraries in the network. We’ve talked to library staff and users about what this has meant to them.
Explore our findings > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QwL2AARjpn7sFIOP7ph1-0pb_ugtK4E4zrBQUt240AQm_r-rKiarv6mtQnUhS-w )
Explore our most mysterious maps
Tickets are now on sale for our autumn exhibition, Secret Maps, which uncovers the stories concealed in some of history’s most mysterious maps. Discover the maps you were never meant to see from 24 October at our London site.
Supported by Wayland Games and Tony & Maureen Wheeler.
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QwL2AARjpn7sFIOT7ph0Ut3RSnfxndOr5kjmhZDqQqApegtcZS_M81vGf78TAsg )
Find out what’s on this season
Our autumn events are now on sale. This season we’re diving deep into stories that have shaped imaginations for centuries. Celebrate the brilliance of a true literary legend, conjure up the strange and supernatural and journey into a fascinating world of hidden maps.
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QwL2AARjpn7sFIOX7ph2bQQoDU0wmo_OIWZnNYo2BdyGIaIjktulJTMo4V2aUQg )
See Secret Maps for free with a friend
Do you want to visit our exhibitions for free? If you become a Member, you can do so as many times as you like – and bring a friend in too. Members also receive discounts across our shops, cafés and events and have access to our gorgeous private Members’ Room.
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Bring your family to the Library
Our free Family Station is a place to explore, make and play as a family. You can drop in every day this week, from 11.00 – 15.00. If you’re planning a back-to-school treat, we now have more tickets available for our adventure-filled family exhibition, Story Explorers.
Find family events > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QwL2AARjpn7sFIOf7ph0WWJeTthCvirFtO4EtP5GgZx-4gW4qMktI64920POiKQ )
Take part in Age UK’s Silver Sunday
As part of Age UK’s national event on 5 October, Silver Sunday, we’re holding a day of free events for over-60s. We’re offering taster sessions of some of our most popular workshops and hosting a lecture exploring how medieval manuscripts were made with calligrapher Patricia Lovett MBE (also available to watch online).
Book your place > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QwL2AARjpn7sFIOj7ph0nlL3Nc2dUEysPqwk4pyROTSocN1ewi5AFDx9WBv5hlw )
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