Host your event at the iconic British Library British Library commercial venue hire [email protected]
Contents Did you know the Library holds a copy of every book published in the UK? But we don’t stop at books – we also hold newspapers, sound recordings, prints, drawings, maps and manuscripts, which make up the 170 million+ items in our collections. 3 Welcome page 4 Why choose us 5 Client testimonials 6 Meetings and Conferences 15 Evening hire 19 Capacities 20 Event add ons 21 Catering 22 FAQs 23 Find and contact us
Host your event among Shakespeare, Leonardo and Austen Home to some of the world’s most precious books, manuscripts, maps and relics, the British Library is a breathtaking backdrop for private events. We are ideally located for guests coming from far and wide. Our iconic building is situated in the heart of London, with King’s Cross, Euston and St Pancras International just around the corner. Our dedicated team is on hand to bring your event to life. We hold all types of events, from corporate meetings in our purpose-built conference centre, to dramatic evening dinners in front of the historic King’s Library. We can accommodate almost any of your unique ideas with our expert knowledge and outstanding event spaces. Did you know that the 12-foot bronze statue of Sir Isaac Newton in the Piazza was inspired by an original watercolour by William Blake? Bringing science, poetry and art into one.
Why choose us? Enjoy a central location We’re located right next to central London stations: King’s Cross, St Pancras and Euston, making us accessible across the capital, UK and Europe.We’re also under an hour away from London City Airport and Gatwick Airport via public transport. Walking distance from closest stations St Pancras, 2 mins King’s Cross, 4 mins Euston, 7 mins Euston Square, 11 mins Warren Street, 15 mins See some of the most important items in history Inspire your guests with the cultural history of the British Library. Impress with a tour of our world-class collections, a guided experience of the storied architecture of our Grade I listed building, or a visit to one of our current exhibitions. With an add-on tour of our Treasures Gallery, view iconic pieces of history like Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s First Folio, Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebooks, and early European maps. With a walkthrough of our building, explore every nook and cranny of the Library, lifting the veil behind the inner workings of the national repository. Or enhance your event with a visit to one of our acclaimed exhibitions – past themes have included medieval women, fantasy, Alexander the Great and Black British music. To find out more about enhancing your event with a cultural add-on, enquire with our team. Take advantage of our versatile spaces Our diverse range of spaces mean we can host party sizes from four to 350 people. We’ve held all kinds of events including music festivals, meetings, conferences, product launches, dinners and drinks receptions. We offer full technical audiovisual support too so you can light the room up with your brand colours or showcase your product on our screens. And our wonderful in-house caterers can create tailored, delicious menus for your guests to enjoy. Did you know the Library’s design is inspired by the shape of a ship? There are telltale features throughout the building, such as this porthole window, which creates a striking viewpoint.
Client testimonials “Communication in the lead up to the event was slick and the team on the day were very helpful and professional.” “ We absolutely enjoyed hosting our event at the British Library (the team) was incredibly supportive, responsive and kind. We will definitely consider booking the venue again this year for our remaining planned events.” “ It was a great venue for our event. The seating in the theatre is very comfortable when sitting for long periods of time, and the breakout rooms were well set up... the day ran smoothly, and we wouldn’t hesitate to book again in future.”
Meetings and Conferences
The Knowledge Centre The Knowledge Centre is perfect for hosting meetings and multi-day conferences. It contains multiple meeting rooms, our 255-seat Pigott Theatre, and an open-plan networking area with a bar. Each space within the Knowledge Centre is kitted out with audiovisual facilities allowing you to customise your event and wow your audience. The Knowledge Centre can also be hired for evening events, receptions and dinners.
Pigott Theatre Maximum capacity: 255 The Pigott Theatre comes with everything you need for conferences, presentations, ceremonies and panel discussions. The Theatre offers: • a Panasonic 2K projector, delivering crisp, high-definition visuals • 7.2 tannoy surround sound system – ideal for immersive screenings, keynotes and conferences. • a full professional lighting rig, including gobo projectors and customisable colours to match your brand colours • a range of microphones tailored to every presentation style • digital sound desk with up to 64 inputs • stage and display foldback monitors (confidence monitors) • stage audio foldback monitors.
The Foyer The Foyer is a large connecting space where you can join up your event with a drinks reception, networking or exhibitions. It offers: • a 4K display screen for welcome messages, branding and digital signage • ample power sockets to support exhibitor stands • a built-in PA system for announcements and event messaging • dedicated Wi-Fi provision offering speeds of up to 100Mbps. Did you know throughout the Library there are many pieces of art by renowned artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Antony Gormley? This work by David Nash, Spiral Sheaves, sits in the Knowledge Centre’s entrance.
Knowledge Centre meeting rooms Our meeting rooms are named after authors Chaucer, Eliot, Dickens and Brontë. Nearly all have large windows, making them light and spacious – perfect spaces for brainstorming, inspiring discussion or relaxed conversation. All meeting rooms (except Chaucer) have windows for natural daylight. Technological and audiovisual set-ups in every room mean we can cater for a range of digital meeting requirements. Some of these spaces can also be segmented or joined together to create larger or smaller rooms for breakout meetings. To find full details of each spaces’ capacities with different seating options, take a look at our capacities section. Each meeting room comes with: • 4K TV • Microsoft laptop • amplified lectern.
Eliot Maximum capacity: 60 Dickens Maximum capacity: 25 Brontë Maximum capacity: 62 This room comes with the option of a divider, so you can choose to have the entire space (maximum capacity 62 standing) or two smaller rooms for separate meetings. Chaucer Maximum capacity: 50 This room is only available for hire alongside the Pigott Theatre.
The Boardroom Suite Our Boardroom Suite offers a classic setting for meetings and executive business events for up to 32 people. It contains the Boardroom – a large, elegant space complete with original heritage artwork, as well as several smaller meeting rooms. These spaces are all linked by a foyer, perfect for networking. Accessible via private lifts, the Suite is tucked away high up in the Library building, ideal for an exclusive and intimate event with a touch of grandeur. Choose to hire any of our spaces from a single meeting room to the entire Suite. All the meeting rooms have windows for natural light. The Boardroom Suite can also be hired for evening events, and is the perfect setting for elegant dinners.
The Boardroom Maximum capacity: 32 Suitable for meetings or dinners, this is the largest space in the Boardroom Suite.
Cotton Maximum capacity: 12 Harley Maximum capacity: 12 Burney Maximum capacity: 8 Sloane Maximum capacity: 4
Evening hire An evening event at the British Library is like no other. Our hosting spaces represent our unique literary and historical heritage. They also offer dazzling architecture and gorgeous views over London. These spaces are available for evening hire from 18.00 until late into the evening,
allowing your guests exclusive access. Did you know the Library was the largest public building constructed in 20th century Britain? To create a welcoming atmosphere, the main entrance has a graduated ceiling that only provides the visitor with a view of the building’s huge scale once they reach the heart of the space. Did you know the King’s Library houses the original collection of King George III (1760–1820)? He insisted on his collection being displayed separately from the rest of the Library, which is how it remains today. King’s Library Gallery Maximum capacity: 150 Best for: Dinners, drinks receptions and soirées For the literary-inclined, our King’s Library Gallery, steeped in history, is a showstopping heritage backdrop for dinners or drinks. Situated at the centre of the Library, the space is unique for both its beauty and its historical significance.
The Terrace Maximum capacity: 150 Best for: Dinners, dances and drinks receptions. The Terrace is a modern space complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive outdoor area boasting panoramic views across London. This space is perfect for dinners and dances. In the summer you can lead your guests onto the rooftop and soak up the sunshine and stunning views across St Pancras.
Upper Gallery Maximum capacity: 350 Best for: Gala dinners, drinks receptions, award ceremonies The Upper Gallery is right at the heart of the Library. This area offers a breathtaking open space for networking events, product launches or drinks receptions. Surrounded by a marble interior and fantastic architectural views, and with the King’s Library in the background, this is a truly glamorous and awe-inspiring space.
Capacities Find out which space is suitable for your event.
- Available for evening hire only All our spaces are wheelchair accessible and fitted with a hearing loop. We can also provide digital and audiovisual support as needed. Space Capacity (Theatre) Capacity (Cabaret) Capacity (Reception) Boardroom King’s Library Gallery* N/A 80 150 N/A Terrace Restaurant* N/A 120 200 N/A Outside Terrace* N/A N/A 200 N/A Upper Gallery* N/A 150 350 N/A Boardroom N/A N/A N/A 32 Cotton Room N/A N/A N/A 12 Harley Room N/A N/A N/A 12 Burney Room N/A N/A N/A 8 Sloane Room N/A N/A N/A 4 Knowledge Centre Pigott Theatre 255 N/A N/A N/A Brontë 62 36 60 24 Brontë A 30 18 30 12 Brontë B 20 12 25 12 Dickens 25 18 25 12 Eliot 60 36 68 24 Chaucer 50 24 60 16
Looking to enhance your event? From the Treasures Gallery to the King’s Gallery, the Library is brimming with fascinating books, manuscripts, art and artefacts. We offer tours of the building and our collections as add-ons to events. This offers a unique opportunity to explore the curious oddities and inner workings of the Library and its fantastic history, with an expert. Experience the wonder of the Library, tailored to you and your guests. We also have an exciting programme of exhibitions, which you can invite your guests to explore. If you’d like to enhance your event with a tour or exhibition, speak to one of our team to find out what’s possible.
Impress with every bite Our catering partners, Graysons, are experts in providing high-quality refreshments and top-class dining arrangements. When you book an event with us, our knowledgeable team will help you plan the perfect spread, whether it’s a healthy breakfast, delicious lunch, afternoon tea or a sit-down evening dinner. Talk to our team to find out more.
FAQs How long will your team take to reply to my email? Once we receive your request, a member of our team will strive to get back to you within 24 hours. What is included in my quote? Your quote will include the hired space, a catering order for the anticipated number of guests, audio-visual requirements and any additional needs such as cloakroom staffing, equipment hire or early access fee(s). How long will the set-up take? Most set-ups take around 30 minutes, which is free and included in your quote. For longer set-ups with complicated decorations or props, we might need to add an additional fee. Do you offer building tours? We do! Ask a member of our team about adding a tour of the building or our collections to your event. Will the Library be open to the public during my event? Although the Library is open to the public every day, many of our event spaces cannot be accessed by visitors, even during those hours. In specific circumstances we can redirect members of the public away from privately hired areas. Are your spaces accessible? All of our spaces and toilets are fully accessible and fitted with a hearing loop. We can provide digital and audiovisual support as needed. Is there parking available onsite? We have parking spaces available for disabled drivers but encourage all other visitors to access the Library via our excellent public transport links. Are there projectors or screens at the venue? Yes, all rooms that we hire can have projectors and screens. Ask about our AV packages with a member of our team to find out more. If you have any other questions do not hesitate to get in touch with our team at [email protected]