The library opens at 9:30am, I arrived at 9:15 to a huge line of people, so if you do intend going there, it is a good idea to get there much earlier. After walking through the doors your bags are searched, but they are very quick so it doesn't take long at all, then you look up and the wow factor really hits you. A huge white foyer greets you, to your left a gift shop, to your right an information desk and coffee shop and straight ahead steps to the most amazing world of books, maps and manuscripts!
After sorting out my readers card, a must have to allow you entry into the different reading rooms/libraries within the library, I went downstairs to the locker room to store my bag etc. (lockers use £1 coins which is returnable). You then need to pop your pencils etc. into a plastic bag, which is available free for your use to take this into the reading rooms/libraries. Cameras are OK to take into the rooms, but you have to turn off the flash, for obvious reasons.
Each room has a manned security desk, to which you need to show your reading card to enter - no card = no entry. On the way out of the rooms you need to show them your bag for inspection.
You must order the items you wish to look at via your online account, some only take 70 mins to arrive, others will take 48 hours as they are off site.
There are many different reading rooms: Maps, Manuscripts, Old and Rare Books, Social Sciences, Humanities, Sciences, Music and the beautiful King's Library in which only staff can enter. This library is in a glass casing, over four floors in the centre of the library - simply stunning. I have added pictures of the King's Library to this blog for you the see
The staff are extremely helpful (most of them in anycase) and some will go out of their way to help you. This is especially true in the Maps reading room.
The British Library is an amazing place to visit and research is a breeze there, with so much at your fingertips and wonderful people who are willing and able to help.
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