British Library

About

The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom, located in London. It is one of the world's largest research libraries, housing over 150 million items in more than 400 languages. The collection includes books, magazines, manuscripts, maps, music scores, newspapers, patents, and sound recordings. The library serves as a legal deposit library, receiving copies of all books published in the UK and Ireland, as well as many foreign titles distributed in the UK. The library's historical collections are extensive, featuring manuscripts and rare books dating back to 2000 BC. Notable items include the Lindisfarne Gospels, two copies of the Magna Carta, and works by Leonardo da Vinci. The British Library supports research, innovation, and cultural engagement through its diverse programs and partnerships. It operates multiple sites, including its main building in St Pancras and a storage facility in Boston Spa, ensuring preservation and accessibility of its vast holdings for future generations.