We hold an estimated 4.1 million books, pamphlets, and periodical titles printed in the West from the 15th cent to the 19th centuries.
These collections have their origins in the foundation collections of the British Museum Library. They include the private libraries of such great collectors as Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753), King George III (ruled 1760-1820), Charles Burney (1757-1817), Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820), and Thomas Grenville (1755-1846). To these have been added other materials received through legal deposit, purchase, and donation.
Besides books, these collections include periodicals and pre-1801 London newspapers, fine bindings, decorated papers, early original photographs, single-sheet ballads, playbills and theatre posters, and many other kinds of printed ephemera.
The collection can be consulted in our Rare Books & Music Reading Room on Floor 1 in St Pancras. Check our opening times.