(AGENPARL) – Mon 22 December 2025 Find out our Christmas opening hours
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For research, inspiration and enjoyment
What a year it’s been at the Library. In 2025 visitors like you joined us in your thousands to read and research, write and think, chat over coffees and explore exhibitions. It’s you, our users, who bring our collection and our spaces to life.
If you’re visiting us over the holiday season, do remember to check our opening times before you travel. You can find them here ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QhdqFARjpn7sFIOfm8x4orJnVDkVrGMBVMexdtUm5Lpxlc3UQjZwGttn7wQYDeJk7nHNM ).
Have a mappy Christmas
Exhibition open until 18 January
Haven’t had a chance to visit Secret Maps yet? Pop in over Christmas to discover hidden histories and mysterious maps dating from the 14th century up to the present day. There’s just one month left to peek at the maps you were never meant to see.
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QhdqFARjpn7sFIOjm8x4orJnVDtNXaG5_YqZHbJcGMda8FC6UY6FnSkBUakCLMWI0YlWI )
Remember your favourite libraries
What role have libraries played in your life? Did you spend childhood Saturdays surrounded by books or plan your career amid the shelves? At a recent event from our Living Knowledge Network we asked the same question to our panel of library lovers. Poet Jackie Kay, footballer Pat Nevin, novelist Jenny Colgan and host Gemma Cairney share their stories.
Watch the recording > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QhdqFARjpn7sFIOnm8x4orJnVDgmLfQiol7mucmlS9ZPF2eJ17eUPo8v8tsPstIRGOnDJ )
Explore our new catalogue
This month we launched a new catalogue so you can now search our collection, place requests, and check the status of your order all in one place. We’ve also just launched an interim version of our Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue.
Find out more > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QhdqFARjpn7sFIOrm8x4orJnVDmV3vMr2FhoDYnqcXyBBFRzncQbZ5k2xh8TopmiyB1hs )
Discover this year’s milestones
Which well-known faces visited the Library in 2025? Which of our exhibitions was viewed by over 800,000 people? And which five medieval manuscripts did we recently add to our collection? Find out more about the highlights of our year in our annual round-up.
Read more > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QhdqFARjpn7sFIJW59R4orJnVDgadIhqrqgo-2sBL5NPpRWtLJs9vG2bgRrA6eZCyqrtY )
Support us
As a charity, donations are vital in helping us share our collection with people of all ages, from all communities. 
A gift today will help us open up a world of ideas and inspiration for everyone.
Donate now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QhdqFARjpn7sFIOvm8x4orJnVDve0yRbghVEG1dMDIvAeOn0YTerJBX2kpCK_ak5LjXdm )
© 2025 British Library. 96 Euston Road, London. NW1 2DB.
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