This month in Learning
Talking English Conference
Book now! Join us on 25 November 2016 for a special English Language CPD event for Secondary and Further Education teachers. Speakers include writer, editor, lecturer, and broadcaster David Crystal, sociolinguist Professor Jenny Cheshire and British Library curator Jonnie Robinson.
Go Behind the Myth of Music Hall
Explore our autumn exhibition Victorian Entertainments: There Will Be Fun on our new 6-week evening course. We’ll challenge the preconceptions of Victorian Music Hall as a gentle, old-fashioned entertainment and bring to life the darker, far more radical side of our earliest form of mass entertainment. Includes an exclusive curator-led viewing of rare Victorian ephemera.
Discovering Literature: 20th-century literature
Explore the ways in which key 20th-century authors experimented with new forms and themes to capture the fast-changing world around them.
Maps and the 20th Century: Drawing the Line
See how maps made the world we live in. A new exhibition accompanied by free programmes for schools.
Visits and workshops
Inspirational visits to engage learners with our unique collections
Primary schools
We offer a range of free workshops for primary school groups which use our gallery spaces to develop creative thinking, visual and verbal literacy and research skills.
Secondary schools and colleges
We offer a range of free workshops for secondary schools and further education groups which use our gallery spaces to develop creative thinking, visual and verbal literacy and research skills.
Adult learning
We offer a range of learning opportunities for adults, from in-depth courses and masterclasses to workshops for ESOL learners and adults with learning disabilities.
Family activities
From Activity Trails to Discovery Days, we welcome families to the British Library to take part in a rich mix of activities designed to engage all the family.
Teacher events
Our Continuing Professional Development programme includes evening events and day-long conferences, many of which are in partnership with other institutions. We provide opportunities for teachers to broaden their subject knowledge and reinvigorate their passion for their subject.
How to book your visit
Practical information about bringing your group to the British Library, from completing our booking form to details on getting here.
Featured online resources
Unique collection items and expert commentary related to History, English and Citizenship
Romantics and Victorians
Discover some of our greatest literary treasures from the Romantic and Victorian periods, and learn about the historical, social and political contexts in which they were written and set.
World War One
Discover how World War One affected people on different sides of the conflict through the study of this unique collection of 500 historical sources contributed by libraries from across Europe, as part of a programme led by Europeana
Magna Carta
Explore the origins and 800-year legacy of Magna Carta, and discover its relevance to justice, liberty and the law today. This unique collection of historical sources is contextualised through articles and videos from leading experts.
Featured teaching resources
A range of teaching resources to help you plan lessons, design schemes of work and set homework tasks
What can Magna Carta tell us about life in medieval times?
Magna Carta is an extremely rich source of evidence about life and customs in the 13th century. This activity will enable students to get better acquainted with both the 13th century and Magna Carta as well as provide an introduction to enquiry skills and handling historical evidence.
Ages 7 to 11
Ages 11 to 14
Shelley’s Frankenstein: The Ghost Story Challenge
Historical background for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Ages 14 to 16
Ages 16 to 18
India and World War One
The aim of this lesson is to introduce the role and contribution of the Indian forces on the Western Front.
Ages 11 to 14
Ages 14 to 16
Ages 16 to 18
Learning projects
Teachers' Network
We are always looking for ways to improve our programme. Find out how you can help us do this.
Community Programme
Film series from the recent West Africa Community Project
Case studies
…I don’t think you could ask for a more conducive learning environment…
Teacher Chris Levack regularly brings his students to the British Library for inspirational visits.
…we felt like we had a bond with everybody…
Jessica Rodgers took part in our Writing London project in 2012 engaging young people aged 16-24, outside of formal education, with library and heritage collections.