大英图书馆¶
How to read at the British Library? How to visit the British Library?
In fact, the borrowing process at many libraries in the UK is quite similar. I have been to several libraries in different places in the UK, and you usually need to register to use library facilities or borrow books. The process is similar to libraries in China, where you apply for a library card, and then you can read or borrow books for free. Just like in China, some very rare and precious books may not be available for reading, but there are often reproductions or reprints available.
Some libraries in the UK have their own unique features. For example, at Manchester Library, you can use the library computers to create British e-postcards. I found it very interesting and immediately used one of the computers to send e-postcards to the teachers who had helped me write reference letters. I wished them a Happy New Year. From this, you can see that one of my good qualities is gratitude. I always remember and appreciate the help I receive and show it through actions. Besides sending e-postcards, I also thought about sending physical postcards, but I was concerned about them getting lost, and my handwriting is not very good. So I decided to give them some small gifts instead.
However, compared to Manchester Library, the British Library is truly impressive. It's huge, really huge, and it has everything. There are also a lot of people, and the architecture is stunning. The interior layout is also very interesting, and there are numerous stories associated with it. It's great for taking photos, shooting videos, and especially for studying... haha! Oops, I unintentionally revealed that I'm not fond of studying and have a tendency to take lots of photos. But overall, it's absolutely fantastic, and I really want to go there again and take more pictures.
Attached is an image of the e-postcard I sent to my teacher at Manchester Library：
The e-postcard Tenliters of Meow sent to the teacher at Manchester Library.
However, although the British Library has a vast collection of books, they are not available for borrowing. However, you can make photocopies and take them with you for an additional fee. If you prefer not to go out but still want to read a particular book at home, you can visit the official website of the British Library and select the corresponding book. The library will then make copies for you and send them to you by mail. Additionally, some of the library's collection items' images can be purchased and downloaded directly through online platforms.
First, let's introduce the British Library. The information mainly comes from the official introduction of the British Library. The British Library, also known as the British Library, is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the largest libraries in the world. Its collection exceeds 150 million items, covering over 400 languages, including books, magazines, manuscripts, maps, sheet music, newspapers, patents, data, stamps, prints, paintings, and sound archives.
The British Library is a treasure trove. When visitors arrive at the library located in St Pancras, they may notice that the library building resembles an ocean liner, inspired by architect Colin St John Wilson. However, they may not be aware that this "ship" is estimated to house over 150 million treasures.
Many famous figures have read books in the reading rooms of the British Library, including Sun Yat-sen, Karl Marx, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Mahatma Gandhi, Rudyard Kipling, George Orwell, George Bernard Shaw, Mark Twain, Vladimir Lenin, Virginia Woolf, Arthur Rimbaud, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, H. G. Wells, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The British Library's most extensive collection includes the Klencke Atlas, one of the largest atlases in the world. When opened, it measures 176 × 231 centimeters and requires several people to lift it.
《Klencke Atlas.》
The most fascinating collection at the British Library is an ancient hand-drawn star chart from China. This Chinese star chart is known as the oldest hand-drawn celestial map and dates back to around 700 AD in the central plains of ancient China. It depicts over 1,300 visible stars with the naked eye, predating the invention of the telescope by several centuries. Another intriguing item is "Curious Herbal" authored by Elizabeth Blackwell.
（A Curious Herbal）。
The ancient hand-drawn star chart from China.
《Curious Herbal》
The most iconic collection at the British Library undoubtedly captivates worldwide attention, and that is the collection of notes by Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519). This manuscript is known as the "Codex Arundel," named after its British owner, Thomas Howard, the 14th Earl of Arundel. It is written in Leonardo's signature "mirror writing" style, which means it is written in Italian from right to left using his left hand. The manuscript covers various subjects such as mechanics, astronomy, optics, architecture, and avian flight. Recently, a visual scientist at the library discovered a previously unseen humanoid figure within da Vinci's notes.
（Leonardo da Vinci，1452–1519）Note
Their official website has two versions, one in Chinese and another in English, which is very convenient for friends who are not familiar with English.
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CN link：https://www.britishlibrary.cn/zh-cn/about-british-library/
EN link：https://www.bl.uk/#
Interesting Facts about the British Library that you should know:
If you were to view five items from the collection every day, it would take you approximately 80,000 years to see everything in the library's holdings.
The library adds three million new items to its collection every year.
The library can accommodate up to 1,200 readers.
The total collection could fill bookshelves stretching 625 kilometers long, and each year's additions would require 12 kilometers of shelving.
The predecessor of the British Library was the Reading Room of the British Museum, which officially opened on May 2, 1857. At that time, readers could enjoy a "breakfast" of champagne with ice cream provided by the Reading Room at the catalogue desks.
We offer the world's largest document delivery service, delivering millions of documents to customers worldwide every year.
The British Library, located in St Pancras, London, is the largest public building constructed in the 20th century in the United Kingdom.
Address of the British Library:
96 Euston Rd
Kings Cross
London
NW1 2DB
United Kingdom
PHONE：+44(0)330 333 1144
Opening Hours of the British Library:
Monday: 09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Tuesday: 09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Thursday: 09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday: 09:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Saturday: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Holidays: 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
How to Read Books at the British Library?
To read books at the British Library, you need to register and obtain a reading card. There are different types of registrations available, such as becoming a Reader or a Member. There is also an option to become a Patron, which you can learn more about on the official website. In this discussion, we will focus on the first two options.
Reader:
To become a Reader, you need to apply for a reading card, and it is free. With the reading card, you can read books at the library and purchase photocopies of books or other merchandise.
There are two ways to register as a Reader. One option is to pre-register online and then visit the library in person. When visiting, you need to bring your original personal identification documents (such as a passport and BRP) and proof of address (such as a bank statement or student letter with your address, issued within the last three months). Completing the registration process at the British Library will grant you a Reader card. Pre-registering online has the advantage of saving time by avoiding on-site registration queues and filling out registration forms. You can find the official pre-registration link on their website：
https://register.bl.uk/RegReader.aspx?ServiceId=1%20&_ga=2.249761542.1865713899.1560413309-757518111.1560413309
The pre-registration link for the British Library
The second option is to directly visit the library with your identification documents for registration. However, it is advisable to arrive early as there may be long queues. You will also need to fill out a form on-site, which includes a section to specify the books you wish to read. You can search for the books in advance on the official website of the library and provide the details of a book you are currently studying or a book you like. Once you complete the registration process on-site, you will receive the Reader card.
A quick reminder from Shilong Miao: Every time you visit the library, remember to bring your Reader card. If you don't have the card and want to enter the library for reading, you will need to obtain a temporary card for a fee of £5. If you lose your Reader card, you will need to apply for a replacement card which costs £10, and the library only accepts cash payments. In both cases, whether you forget to bring the card or lose it, you must present your personal identification and proof of address at the library to proceed with the necessary arrangements. If your Reader card is about to expire, you need to renew it in advance by completing the process online and then visiting the library with your personal identification and proof of address for the renewal.
Furthermore, your renewed Reader card will become effective from the date of renewal. If you lose your expired Reader card, you can still apply for a renewal. The three-year valid Reader card (Reader's Pass) can be renewed up to six months before the expiration date, and the one-year valid card can be renewed up to one month before the expiration date. However, you still need to visit the British Library in person with your personal identification and proof of address for the renewal process.
Next, let's talk about becoming a Member:
Member:
To become a Member, you can directly make payment with a debit card. The price is £80 per year. If you choose to use a credit card, the price is £87 per year. There is also an option for group membership, known as Joint Membership, where two people can apply together. The price for Joint Membership with a debit card payment is £120 per year, and with a credit card, it is £127 per year. Being a Member comes with several benefits, including:
Free entry for you and a companion to visit exhibitions at the British Library.
Exclusive access for you and a companion to the Members' Room during daytime, overlooking the King's Library.
Priority booking for events and four free event tickets per year (free tickets cannot be used for adult courses, etc.).
Library Listing Guide.
20% discount at the library's public restaurants, cafés, and shops.
大英图书馆Member会员
British Library Membership
To read books at the British Library, it is best to search for the books you want to read in advance on the official website. Once you find the location of the books, you can retrieve them and find a quiet spot nearby to read. Whether you are visiting to read, appreciate the library, study, borrow books, or take photos for memories, please remember to maintain a quiet environment, refrain from damaging the books, avoid scribbling or drawing randomly, and do not take anything without permission.
Official Website Online Search Link：
http://explore.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?menuitem=0&fromTop=true&fromPreferences=false&fromEshelf=false&vid=BLVU1
British Library Search
For example, when you search for a book, you will find specific details about the book and how to access it. You can read the book in the library's reading rooms or request a photocopy to be sent by mail.：
Official Website Online Search Link
Inside the British Library, there are many exhibitions that you can visit. Some are freely accessible, while others require payment. Additionally, the library houses several amenities such as coffee shops and gift shops where you can find items like coffee, books, clothing, bags, jewelry, and more.
As shown in the image below, these are the products available for sale on the library's official website. There are also physical stores within the library：
If you don't want to register as a Reader or become a Member of the British Library but still wish to visit as a tourist, it is also possible. However, you will need to make a prior reservation on the official website. Some areas may require a fee for admission, while others are free. For more details, please refer to the provided link
：https://www.bl.uk/events?eventsubtype=tour
作为游客参观大英图书馆
Workshop
The British Library also offers workshops, which are interactive events aimed at sharing knowledge and fostering engagement. These workshops encompass a wide range of free or low-cost seminars and interactive activities. If you are unable to visit the library in person, you can still participate in these workshops by registering for regular online webinars organized by the library. It doesn't matter where you are in the world; you can join in. All workshop sessions must be booked in advance. If you need to cancel, please contact the library through the online form or by calling +44 (0)20 7412 7901 at least 24 hours prior to the workshop.
British Library Workshop Link：https://www.bl.uk/business-and-ip-centre/workshops-and-events
大英图书馆workshop
Reminder from Shilong Miao: In the British Library, you are not allowed to bring items such as backpacks and jackets inside. You will be required to store them in advance at the library's storage facilities, and this service is provided free of charge. Although the library is heated, it is still advisable to wear slightly warmer clothing as sitting for long periods may make you feel cold. If you bring your own books, notes, laptop, or other items, the staff will provide you with a transparent plastic bag to carry your belongings.