It is one of the most famous libraries in the world, and who knows—you might have the chance to visit it on an upcoming language trip to London. These factors certainly warranted the LEC teams taking a closer look at it… Today, let’s dive into the heart of the legendary British Library!
The library of all records?
It would be hard for anyone hearing about the British Library for the first time to be mistaken about its nationality and nature. Indeed, the phrase British Library literally means British Library. A name it richly deserves, since it enjoys a threefold status:
- It is officially the National Library of the United Kingdom
- It is also the largest library in the country
- but above all, it is the world's leading library in terms of the number of cataloged works
One of the most iconic spots in the King’s Cross neighborhood
Located at 96 Euston Road, you’ll find it when you venture north of the Thames during your language study trip to London. It’s hard to miss its imposing building, situated just a few minutes from St. Pancras Station, in the King’s Cross. This new headquarters opened its doors in 1997. Before that, it was housed in the British Museum’spicturesque reading room!
A library that can transform into a museum
But the British Library (which automatically receives a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom) has also managed to transcend its role as a “mere” library: it is, in fact, one of the major exhibition venues in the British capital. A few examples of events organized by the institution? Let’s mention:
- Treasures of the British Library, which offers visitors the chance to discover the library’s hidden gems, ranging from Leonardo da Vinci to the Beatles
- Alice in Wonderland, on display from November 20, 2015, to April 17, 2016