I have visited the BL a few times in the last month or so as I have a reader ticket for a research project. I've used the reading rooms, cafe and visited the Treasures exhibition. I have never met so many lovely, polite, helpful, knowledgable staff at any establishement anywhere in the world in the past 50 years. I'm not sure if they are wildly overpaid or hypnotised but it's the sort of professional service that you don't get anywhere else. It's the six-star hotel of libraries; a parallel universe or a trip back in time. Even the loo cleaner lady says "good afternoon" with a smile. Everyone knows what they are doing, goes the extra mile to get your reader ticket issued when you arrive with two minutes left before closing, checks your bag without looking at you like you are a terrorist and serves food, drinks, shop gifts etc. in a professional manner. Food and drink is very good value. Coffee is very good. There are drinking fountains at various points and lockers if you have a reader ticket. The service to order books from the collection to one of the readng rooms is efficient and this can be done online and usually only takes 48 hours to get books brought up from the extensive underground storage. I am looking forward to the opportunity to go on a backstage tour at some point. You can sit in one of the very many public seating areas without a reader ticket. There are various kinds including bench eting, small tables, individual lecture-style chairs with fold out desks and power sockets, larger four-seater booths, again wiht power and free internet access for general use and to acess the digital collections. Depending on the time of your visit you may not get your first choice of places to sit so go early if you want something specific. The building is clean, easy to navigate and has plenty of accessible options such as lifts and excalators as well as stairs. The central artium is a stunning display of rare books donated by Geroge III in a multi floor bookcase in glass. Wonderous! I only regret living 30 minutes away and not going sooner.

Haven't been back for a while, there's always some exhibits and things to see near the inside cafe. Note that security checks your bags. Worth a visit as a tourist if you're in the area. Great to work in if you get a reader pass for the reading rooms.

AMAZING! This is the second largest Library in the World - I think the Library of Congress is the first but when the GOP get into their stride banning books, the British Library will be the first! I focused my visit on the Treasures - and saw the original Magna Carta, the works of Chaucer, Shakespeare, the Venerable Bede, music scores by Mozart, drawings of Leonardo da Vinci. It also showcases the handwritten "roughs" of Beatles songs like "In My Life" and the Monty Python - Spanish Inquisition sketch. Absolutely brilliant. Loved it. There as far more to see but my time was limited. Demands another visit.

We had the privilege of a private visit, where the librarians prepared and presented the unique manuscript collection of the writer Stefan Zweig. Real letters of Robbespierre, Marie Antoinette, music scores by Bach, Brahms, Händel or a handwritten poem by Goethe - everything was presented in a perfect way, questions anwered and backgrounds given. The public exhibition of "old papers" is extraordinary and free of charge. Also recommendable is the selection of bank notes and stamps (including the famous blue mauritius). Good-Quality Internet, cloakroom service and a pleasent café atmosphere contribute to a perfect visit.

Could easily spend an entire day here! So many amazing objects in the collection. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy. There’s lovely book and gift shops and lots of light and open space to comfortably sit and read. Wish I. Had more time here to make full use of the reading rooms but will definitely plan for that next trip over!

Visited the British Library on Sunday October 29 and was so glad we did. They have an excellent archive room that is free to the public with amazing archives! Well worth seeking out and very close to the St. Pancreas train/underground stop and just up the road from the Baker Street (Sherlock Holmes) stop. So glad we stopped in!

Visited the fantasy, realms of imagination exhibition, highly recommended. Going right back to the first fairy tales and myths, meandering through stories, poems and manuscripts right up to the present day games and films. Also costumes, illustrations and models. So well curated - lots of food for thought, and ideas for future research for me. Many thanks to all concerned.

Excellent collection of old manuscripts. They have two original copies of the Magna Carta. Also original Shakespeare manuscript, original handwritten Beatles songs and music notes from Handel and Mozart.

Visited the Treasures room which is situated on the first floor, spent a very enjoyable hour reading about the various exhibits. The cafe which can also be found on the same floor sold a variety of indulgent cakes to tempt the palate. The Library is across the street from St Pancras Station.

Glorious place to vist. The documents and books in the Treasures Room are breathtaking. Eating: cafe by the front door is coffee and croissants; the cafe at the back of the ground floor is coffee, soft drinks, cake, soup and quick sandwiches, but be warned there are NO SPOONS for the soup! I had to go upstairs to the restaurant to get a spoon! Apparently this is an eco-decision. They provide small bamboo teaspoons only and they don't work with soup! So: the restaurant is on the first floor and it's self serve and is coffee, cake, sandwiches and meals. Lots of tables and lots of light from the big windows.