I love libraries, so it’s no surprise that the British Library was on my list of must-see places in London. Both the national library of the United Kingdom as well as the largest library on the globe, the British Library was something I couldn’t leave England without visiting at least once. Fortunately my mom, always up for fueling my bookishness, kindly agreed to make it the second stop on our London adventure.
Although we only walked through a small part of the British Library, I was amazed to learn how enormous the building actually is. Established in 1973 when it separated from the British Museum and became its own entity, the British Library has over 170 million items in its collection. The primary function of the library is for research purposes; however, they do have some exhibits that the public can view for free, which is what my mom and I walked through on our brief visit.
The first exhibition we explored was Listen: 140 Years of Recorded Sound. Not only was this exhibit a fascinating look at how the way we experience sound has changed and developed since the invention of the phonograph in 1877, but it also contained some really fun interactive elements. For instance, there were these big circular seats that allowed you to blast a wide range of different songs, from classical music to the Doctor Who theme (my personal favorite). Sitting in this strange chair made me feel like a kid playing on some futuristic playground!
The highlight of the visit for me was the remarkably impressive Treasures of the British Library exhibit. Nearly every item in this exhibit made me gasp out loud: music from Beethoven! Writing from Jane Austen! Shakespeare texts! The original Magna Carta. I was taken aback by the range, scope, and rarity of this astounding collection (and the fact that it is all free to the public!). I also enjoyed listening to the recordings available with headphones placed throughout the exhibit, especially the ones of writers talking in various interviews and reading various texts. Hearing the voices of Virginia Woolf and James Joyce for the first time was incredible… I never expected them to sound the way they did!
All in all, the British Library is well worth visiting if you’re ever in the King’s Cross area of London. Whether you’re a history buff, literature fiend, or simply interested in seeing some amazing items, there’s something for everyone in these amazing exhibitions!
Click here to check out other posts in my Holly Goes Abroad series!
Have you ever been to the British Library? What is your favorite thing to see there? Let me know in the comments section below!
Yours,
HOLLY
Reblogged this on LIFE STORY'S FROM LINCOLN.
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Yes! Even after living in London for three months and visiting 20+ times, I didn’t make it to the British Library until the last time I was in London, which was over my spring break this year. It was incredible! I LOVED the Listen exhibit, and like you mentioned, the Treasures collection was pretty awe-inspiring. I definitely geeked out over the Shakespeare and allllllllll the original copies of sheet music (but especialy the Thomas Tallis ones!).
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Ahhh the sheet music was so amazing! I still can’t believe the sheer amount of original work collected there… it’s incredible! So glad you finally got a chance to go! ❤
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Wow! This sounds amazing! I’m glad you got a chance to visit!
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Thanks! It was a blast ❤
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I love visiting libraries wherever I visit, and it sounds like you had an amazing time!
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It was amazing! Would definitely recommend ❤
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I visited London many years ago, and the British Library was one of the first places I visited. 😊 Definitely a highlight for literature and library lovers!!
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It’s so amazing!! The sheer amount of original work they have there is remarkable 🙂
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I went but I didn’t find the exhibitions 😦 I have to go again
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Oh no! It’s definitely worth another try 🙂
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The British Library is so cool! I wish I’d visited on my trip last year 😦 Love this series ❤
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Thanks, Shar!! ❤
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