British Library

Announcing our 2025 exhibitions 📢

🌿 Spring: unearth the transformative, and sometimes radical, power of gardening
👪 April: set forth on an imaginative journey for children inspired by our collections
🗺️ Autumn: discover the intriguing world of maps, from the secrets they reveal to the mysteries they conceal
🥊 Leeds: delve into the noble art of boxing, the ancient art of calligraphy and a celebration of football fans

Mark your calendars: https://bit.ly/BLExhibitions2025

On a dark, gloomy October night like this one, you might just find yourself encountering a ghostly being or two... But fear not! We've turned to the pages of the 15th century Byland Abbey ghost stories for a helping hand in what to do when finding yourself face to face with a Medieval ghost 👻

1. Keep It Together: If a ghost pops up, don’t scream and run—think of it as a neighbour dropping by for a chat… just with a few more decay issues.

2. Lend an Ear: Most ghosts just need someone to listen. Who knew being a part-time therapist was a medieval survival skill?

3. Skip the Heroics: Trying to fight a ghost is about as effective as trying to punch a cloud. Save your energy for something useful—like asking what they want.

4. Pack Your Protection: A magic circle, a few trusty amulets—think of it as medieval ghost-repellent. Or a safety blanket. Whatever works for you!

5. Help a Spirit Out: The quickest way to send a ghost on its way is to help it sort out any unfinished business. Think of it as doing a good deed—like helping an old lady cross the street, only she’s been waiting around for 200 years.

6. Stick Near Water: Need a break from your ghostly friend? Head for a river. For some reason, ghosts and water don’t mix—must be a medieval thing.

7. Don’t Leave Them Hanging: Ignoring a ghost will only make it more persistent—like a dog that won’t stop barking for attention. Just listen to what they have to say before things get out of hand.

8. Approach with Kindness: Remember, most of these ghosts are just trying to get to the afterlife without any more hiccups. Offer a bit of help, and you’ll be sending them off with a smile (or, well, whatever’s left of their face).

Fantasy: Realms of Imagination embarks on a tour to the US this month.

First stop: California’s Bowers Museum , where some of our most fantastical collection items will be on display until February 16: https://bit.ly/BLFantasyTourUS

Supported by International Touring Partner Wayland Games

Explore the wisdom, strength, and vision of women from the Middle Ages in their own words... Which quote resonates with you the most?

Women at work, medieval style 💪

From weaving and labouring to writing and teaching, women in the Middle Ages were making their mark.

What do you think was the most challenging role?

We’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible response to this year’s conservation appeal. Thanks to your support we’re able to aim even higher to raise a total of £35,000.

This will help us conserve more items in our collection, from a manuscript that gives an intimate insight into Mary, Queen of Scots imprisonment to an Anglo-Saxon gospel fragment which has survived for 1,000 years 📜

Support our conservation appeal today and save more stories for generations to come: https://bit.ly/BLConservationAppeal2024

Our CEO Sir Roly Keating shares a new blog about services we’ve recently restored, and our plans for the next phase of recovery from last October’s cyber-attack – including the sound archive and our popular Ethos resource of 600,000 digitised theses: https://bit.ly/BLCyberBlogOctober

Climate change is real, urgent and serious. We know that we have a role to support society’s efforts to adapt to and address this crisis, which is why today we’re launching our new sustainability strategy during 🌱

From decarbonising our buildings to opening up our collection to help find solutions to the environmental challenges we face, we’re dedicated to reducing our carbon impact and collaborating with partners to create a more sustainable future.

Want to find out more about our plans? Read our sustainability strategy: bit.ly/BLSustainabilityStrategyBlog

Explore the Library through play this October half term!


Our Family Station will be open daily Friday 25 October – Wednesday 30 October, 11.00 – 15.00. Families with children of all ages can drop-in for free and discover fun, creative resources full of ideas to explore, make and play. You’ll also find sensory items and a reading corner of children’s books (including tactile and braille editions).


Find out more about the Family Station: https://bit.ly/BLFamilyStationOct

Happy ! Do you have a favourite poem?