(AGENPARL) – Thu 27 November 2025 Plus, shop for booklovers at the Library
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For research, inspiration and enjoyment
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Change is afoot as we continue to rebuild our systems to make it easier for you to use our collection. In December we’re launching a new version of our catalogue. If you’re planning to use the Library for research next month please add the dates when collection access and ordering are suspended to your diary.
Read on to find out more, and to discover how we can help with your festive shopping.  
Launching our new catalogue
From 8 December
We’re excited to be launching a new version of our main catalogue on 8 December. You’ll be able to search our collection, place requests and check the status of your order, all in one place. To prepare for the launch we have to suspend access to our collection from Monday 1 – Sunday 7 December.
Find out more > https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFIKeTyh4o1bq8DjzL2np6RE4kencGoTXK6MjjJYF5DAhVsUdmKQ_J2IPj
Trace the moving tale of a WWI librarian
Alexander Charles Stewart was a librarian responsible for manuscripts at the British Museum, a collection that is now held here at the Library. His letters from the First World War are a moving testament of hope and courage. They were unearthed in collaboration with Findmypast [https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFIKiTyh4o1bq8Dqoaf8es-q6yi15A8urxwlzuT_cVHwLFWltBsjrdVf__ which is free to use at public libraries across the UK.
Watch now > https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFIKmTyh4o1bq8DliCbr_zSjPMi-yUfZWHn7baWiBgYISxim9_0l-8hxbc
View a sci-fi work of art
Weird extraterrestrials, mysterious hot air balloons; fantastical imagery from our collection lit up the facade of the Leeds Civic Hall last month. As part of the festival Light Night Leeds, we commissioned artists Ocubo to present a light show based on 19th-century sci-fi illustrations. If you missed it in Leeds you can watch the whole thing online.
Watch now > https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFIKqTyh4o1bq8Dg8XxOi5MtnZZ22CP1OwomY0JRe_XNCCiP2xywnWFH-Z
Discover Britain’s historic links with Armenia
You might be surprised to know that the histories of Britain and Armenia are tightly interwoven. Discover a rich tapestry of connections in our new Treasures Gallery display. It explores 800 years of history including King Richard II’s meeting with King Levon V of Cilicia. In recordings supplied by the Armenian Institute visitors can hear British-Armenians tell their own stories.
Visit for free > https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFIKuTyh4o1bq8Dn0Pa5GMh0aMVNEwrUjdJuK0RoqbEZ0rcrkW5Vh0upqo
Find out what your support means to us
Did you see our 2024/25 Impact Report? If you’re a supporter do have a look at what we accomplished with your help last year. Our supporters enable us to take care of our collection and share the remarkable objects we hold with audiences across the UK. Find out about everything your support achieved.
Read our report > https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFIKyTyh4o1bq8Dh0hdkyv7JxRgAE7ZPMZp_xzvzE980iNRWQ1ZB9e8b-0
Would you rather be curled up with a book than battling festive crowds? Make Christmas shopping more like a trip to the Library with our literary gifts. Our shop offers timeless cards, charming stocking fillers and perfect presents for the booklover in your life, and our Memberships last all year.
Do your Christmas shopping with us
Our delightful array of bookish treats makes it easy to tick friends and loved ones off your Christmas shopping list. Choose between beautifully bound editions of literary classics, games featuring your favourite authors and accessories designed for enthusiastic readers. If you’re stuck browse our recommendations by budget and recipient.
Shop now > https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFIK2Tyh4o1bq8DhJHe2cQriH8JDU0x9UPRQdZJeOwFsvnqWe6ufqiyB7M
Gift the Library to your loved ones
Does someone you love love the Library? With the gift of Membership this Christmas they’ll get
free entry to our exhibitions for a whole year, with a guest*access to the daytime Members’ Room, overlooking the King’s Library20% off in our public restaurants, cafés and shops*discounted event tickets.
Find out more > https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFIK6Tyh4o1bq8DpIHGO_xhOH9HPj9VJyplP4NPRPpSwOuENPvwrkpxzEs
*Subject to availability. Some limitations/restrictions apply.
We’re committed to a sustainable future. We encourage research into climate change using our collection. We also want to share information about sustainability with people of all ages. Let’s make an impact together.
Explore climate change in our collection
As COP30 begins in Brazil, PhD placement student Iris Bachmann takes a closer look at items we hold from the country and the wider Amazon region exploring how they speak to climate change and nature loss.
Read the blog > https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFIK-Tyh4o1bq8DtO2rIL48f5lkZPe6J5TM0Oyr10DHq8wK_-H7F6vYTpJ
Free eco event for schools
Primary school students in Years 5 and 6 are invited to learn about sustainability at our Eco Explorers workshop. Teachers can bring their class to the Library to take part in a collaborative quest exploring positive environmental action. Workshops take place from Monday to Thursday during term-time.
Bring your class > https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8QxIeEARjpn7sFILCTyh4o1bq8DgxUWVqPWvEjPN-QJ2rNZXbKTBTw-jxEgals9LyMqRby
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