Never used us before and thinking of applying for a Pass?
If you are doing research and the British Library's collections
could help you, you are welcome to come and use them. We support
researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs in every subject across
all fields of study - whether or not they are affiliated to a research
institution.
The world's greatest library
From the Library's collection of over 150 million items you can
study books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, patents,
databases, music scores, sound recordings, photographs, bookbindings
and stamps. Whatever your field of interest we have the resources
and expertise to help you.
Why do I need a Pass?
As custodian of the UK's national collection, the Library has a
responsibility to safeguard it for future generations, and: to protect
the collection from damage, and theft, or any other potential cause
of harm.
To help us to do this you must provide proof of identification. See
our Reader Registration
pages for details of what you will need to bring with you.
How do I get a Pass?
You can apply for a Reader Pass in person; our Reader Registration offices are open Monday to Saturday, except for seasonal closures. Or you can apply in advance by printing the application
form from the web and sending it to us by post. Please call us on
+44 (0)20 7412 7677 for advice.
We'll need to see proof of your signature
and home address - passport, driver's licence, bank, credit
or identity card, together with a bank statement or utility bill.
Is your Pass coming up for renewal?
To renew your Pass, please come to Reader Registration in
the Entrance Hall at St Pancras. We will need to update your details
so please bring your identificationwith
you.
We've changed!
If you haven't been to the St Pancras building for a while, you'll
notice some changes - for example:
