(AGENPARL) – Wed 29 October 2025 Find out at our new exhibition, open this month
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For research, inspiration and enjoyment
There’s nothing so exciting as a secret. This month we’re excited to have opened our exhibition exploring the most mysterious items in our collection of maps. To learn even more about these powerful documents, book your ticket now for our fascinating series of accompanying events.
Plus, budding entrepreneurs are invited to our Start-Up Day and we’ve launched a new appeal to help preserve some very special collection items.
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Book your ticket now: Secret Maps
Secret Maps is our new exhibition in St Pancras revealing the stories hidden in some of history’s most mysterious maps. Discover the secrets concealed in 100 items, including naval charts drawn by hand for Henry VIII and escape maps smuggled in board games sent to British prisoners of war during World War II.
This exhibition is supported by Wayland Games ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFILjomR7wgfcZK5vYHvnaOej6U4QVVNgfXbrXDx75rYRTI9GudA ) and Tony & Maureen Wheeler.
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFILnomR6Z1L_zwYTw3uTkVcCmwLbU1bScmuk-IZSAREw8UVqzAA )
Find out more about Secret Maps events
Maps have won wars, guided secret missions and offered new ways to see the world. This autumn unroll fascinating facts about cartography, espionage and changing borders at our event series at the Library and online.
Supported by Wayland Games ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFILromR5Pg-k-CGjViD6S1nZpmSkWtQcob9_VQL4dnJu4F_jPvA ).
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFILvomR69ECbWfn_YltO4Ja7Ua1lxEPYHH-BojwKg_8a_3-u9QQ )
Turn your idea into a business
17 November 2025
Do you have a great idea for a business? Our Business & IP Centre is hosting a full day of talks and workshops at our London site designed to help you get started. The day ends with an inspiring conversation with Joe Wicks, who shares how he built his brand The Body Coach.
Book your place > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFILzomR6ANh5zqO696yIUds_n_k3-oqmiDsPs3dXm8R4UD-xlOw )
Find out how AI will shape your future
Monday 24 November
There’s no doubt that AI is already having a major impact on our lives. However, will it lead to better economic prospects across society? Our panel discussion in London explores how AI could transform the world of work and the wider economy.
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFIL3omR7fhpOR_5Jr8Z8Z2ZDCO2cJJy1q3ZMMzjHM-9Z3Pw0Sjg )
Investigate the origins of Sherlock Holmes
21 October 2025 – 15 January 2026
For the next three months we’re loaning letters written by Arthur Conan Doyle to Portsmouth Central Library. These fascinating documents give details of the author’s life in Portsmouth as he established his medical practice. They record his first steps towards becoming one of the world’s best known writers of detective fiction.
Plan your visit > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFIL7omR7HPEKVMevvSfOXLldxXbHdmOYL-aS1nELcjl7NsNrhNQ )
Made possible thanks to the British Library on Tour programme, which is generously supported by the Dorset Foundation.
Have a ball with football fanzines
If you missed our summer exhibition Voice of the Fans, co-produced with Leeds Libraries, then you’re in luck. A free panel display is popping up in public libraries around Leeds over the coming weeks. It packs in over 60 years of fan-made media celebrating the beautiful game. 
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFIL_omR4uuWpJWO0sMMpXUDhkGigeSFP1JHq2izR28Xjkwl8icQ )
Get spooky tales delivered to your door
Give the gift of strange and spooky stories with our Tales of the Weird subscription. Each month your chosen recipient will receive a weird fiction novel or anthology plucked from our archives, plus exclusive prints, matching bookmarks and behind-the-scenes extras. It’s perfect for fans of classic science-fiction, fantasy and horror.
Shop now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFIMDomR6-lgpDP9wRRq2G8qMyaD7Z_obCVlytMMPNg3U3Tn8skQ )
Support our conservation appeal
Help us keep the stories in our collections safe. We’re aiming to raise £50,000 to support the conservation of some of our extraordinary items including scrolls saved from Herculaneum and a 14th-century charter issued by Edward III. Your support will help us care for 2,000 years of global history.
Donate today > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qoq2DARjpn7sFIMHomR5OaWqEr2_piRE5iFM45nC16Lz_iZgIHkL8dJSINbHYlQ )
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Image credit: Secret Maps exhibition shoot: Photography by Justine Trickett © British Library Board