Events and exhibitions
Join us for transporting exhibitions, events with a host of world-class speakers, courses designed to expand your perspectives and inspiring workshops for families.
We have events online, in London, a growing programme of activities in Leeds, and nationwide through our Living Knowledge Network.
We're continuing to experience a major technology outage as a result of a cyber-attack, but our buildings remain open and our events and exhibitions are going ahead as planned.
Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music
Journey through an ever-evolving and ever-expanding history of Black music in the UK with our latest major exhibition, the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
On Thursday 1 August Beyond the Bassline will close at 14.00 (last ticketed entry also at 14.00).
Liz Johnson Artur – Black Balloon Archive
Alongside the Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music exhibition, photographer Liz Johnson Artur has selected works from her Black Balloon Archive which explore representations of pleasure, intimacy, beauty and love. Free, no ticket required. Until 26 August.
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words
With over 140 extraordinary items, discover the rich and complex lives of women of medieval Europe, both famous and forgotten, through their own words, visions and experiences.
A Silk Road Oasis: Life in Ancient Dunhuang
Step into the ancient town of Dunhuang, a once bustling town on the famous Silk Road, to meet the people who lived, travelled through, worked and worshipped there.
Treasures of the British Library
Explore some of the world's most exciting, beautiful and significant books, maps and manuscripts in our permanent exhibition. Visit for free, no booking required, or dive deeper on a tour.
Please note our Magna Carta room is temporarily closed. We'll update as soon as Magna Carta is back on display.
Our full events programme
Tickets for our full events programme - exhibitions, cultural events, family activities, adult courses and tours - are available online.
We offer a range of events and activities for people with additional needs and disabilities including accessible tours, relaxed hours and group workshops.
Talks, readings and performances
Talks, readings and performances
Browse our captivating line-up of talks, readings and performances, both in-person at the Library and online. All events
Members get more
Our members play a vital role in supporting us so we can care for our collections, protecting them for future generations.
Member benefits include:
- free entry for you and a guest to exhibitions*
- up to half price off tickets to our events*
- exclusive access for you and a guest to the Members' Room, overlooking the King's Library
- 20% off in our restaurants, cafés and shops
*Subject to availability. Limitations and restrictions apply.
More events and tours
Tours
Explore some of the treasures of the British Library or discover more about our history, collection and architecture on a tour of the public areas of the Library.
Family events
Join us for family fun from creative family days to artist-led workshops, regular under 5s sessions and relaxed openings, there's so much for your family or community group to enjoy together.
School events
Join us for workshops, tours and events for teachers and schools, families and learners of all ages.
![A man looks at a display case at a Living Knowledge Network event]](jpg/living-knowledge-network-events.jpg)
Living Knowledge Network events
Our Living Knowledge Network brings world-class speakers, emerging voices and inspirational debate to public libraries and the people who use them.
![Why We Need Fantasy: Neil Gaiman in conversation event at the British Library]](jpg/british-library-events-online.jpg)
British Library events online
Watch a selection of our past events on YouTube, featuring world-class speakers in captivating talks, readings and performances.