The British Library

We’re thrilled that our popular Story Explorers exhibition at Leeds Central Library has been extended! It’s now open until Saturday 29 August, which means even more families can adventure into space, through the jungle and to the bottom of the ocean. Right through to the end of the summer holidays!   Join the adventure: https://lnkd.in/eCHGKdeQ   #BritishLibrary #Library #Leeds #Family #Exhibition Leeds Libraries

From ancient folklore to modern retellings, fairy tales have been shaped and reshaped across cultures, generations and mediums. In a new blog post, our curators explore the new exhibition Fairy Tales, highlighting the objects, stories and traditions that reveal why these narratives continue to resonate today. Discover more about the exhibition and the stories behind it here: link.bl.uk/ngw

Fairy Tales, our new exhibition, opens today.   Bringing together beautiful illustrations, interactive displays, and stories from around the world, this magical new family exhibition explores how these iconic tales have enchanted us through time. Book here: bl.uk/fairytales This exhibition is supported by Wayland Games Ltd.

Learning, listening, and building more inclusive spaces. Last week, colleagues across the Library took part in Deaf Awareness training led by Asif Iqbal MBE, exploring British Sign Language (BSL), communication tips, and how we can better support Deaf communities. Delivered during Sign Language Week, the sessions were a valuable opportunity to reflect and grow.

We’re celebrating 45 years of the National Heritage Memorial Fund. Since 1980 they’ve stepped in to protect heritage when it matters most, saving over 1,400 iconic objects, places and landscapes. These heritage treasures form a collection in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK. In 2024 they helped us to acquire a series of letters from Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most important English writers and poets of the 19th century. Spanning 1846 to 1860, the letters offer valuable insight into her work, public reception and social networks. Learn more about this and other recent acquisitions here: link.bl.uk/71f #BritishLibrary #Libraries #NationalHeritageMemorialFund Department for Culture, Media and Sport

We've partnered with the National Literacy Trust for a special National Year of Reading primary teacher conference on 20 March. Explore the evolving landscape of the world of reading and stories as we are joined by leading experts in multimodal literacy and inclusive representation. This event is aimed at primary teachers, literacy leads, school leaders, librarians and anyone who cares deeply about developing a culture of reading for pleasure. #BritishLibrary #Library #NationalLiteracyTrust #NationalYearOfReading #NationalYearOfReading2026 #PrimaryTeacher

We are delighted to welcome the announcement of Across These Islands: Shared Histories, Shared Futures, a major new cross-islands collaboration bringing together four national libraries across Ireland and the UK. We will work alongside the National Library of Ireland / Leabharlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann, National Library of Scotland and the Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / The National Library of Wales to deliver a shared programme of exhibitions, digital experiences and public events, inviting people and communities to explore the intertwined histories, languages and cultures of these islands. Supported by €750,000 in funding through the UK–Ireland Cultural Co-operation Programme, this partnership is the first of its kind and will widen access to national collections and deepen research collaboration across the islands. We’re looking forward to working alongside our partners on what promises to be a truly special initiative.

Support the development and curation of our major exhibition on the Norman Conquest through this extraordinary PhD placement opportunity. Marking the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, our 2027 exhibition will span two generations either side of the Conquest to explore the history, art and culture of England from this period. As well as a variety of rich training opportunities with Library experts, placement holders can expect to work on  many tasks involved in developing the exhibition. Three full-time, funded, six-month placements are available for doctoral students currently registered at a UK university. Find out more and apply by Monday 6 April on our website here: link.bl.uk/dnv   #BritishLibrary #Library #NormanConquest #WilliamtheConqueror #PhDplacement #PhD  

In 2020 the British Library was gifted the papers of Storm Jameson and Guy Chapman (Add MS 89743). Jameson (1891–1986) was a prolific novelist and writer, President of the English branch of PEN International and an international Vice-President. Her archive reveals fascinating details about the lives and vital role of women workers in munitions factories during World War Two. Michael St John-McAlister explores some of the newly catalogued material in a blog post here: link.bl.uk/f3a

It’s National Lottery Open Week, and we’re joining hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues and projects across the UK in a week of celebration to say thank you to the players who raise £32 million each week for good causes. Through support from the National Lottery, we’ve been able to: • acquire five exceptional medieval manuscripts from Longleat House • co-create an animated film about multiculturalism and migration journeys with young people in South Leeds • deliver a Creative Climate Programme in collaboration with local Camden libraries. These are just some of the projects we’ve been able to make happen thanks to players of the National Lottery. Because of you, we can make a real impact. Thank you for your support. Learn more about the Longleat manuscripts: https://link.bl.uk/mmsl #BecauseOfYou #NationalLotteryOpenWeek #BritishLibrary