British Library

The British Library

A quick quiz - how long did it take Sir Christopher Wren to build St Paul's Cathedral? Answer: 36 years. Ah, things were slow back then. How did people stand it? Second question: how long did it take to build the new British Library? Answer: 36 years.

What? Thirty-six years to build a library?! The new British Library, nestled next door to St Pancras railway station, took as long to build as a Stuart cathedral. Why so long?

A combination of changing government policies, changing sites, opposition from political and architectural pundits (including Prince Charles) and funding problems turned the rebuilding of the most prestigious library in the world into a soap opera. At least this soap opera has a happy conclusion.

The new library, which opened in 1998, is magnificent (at least it is if you can forgive its use of that age-old British standby, red brick, for all the exterior finish). The exterior has been reviled by some critics, but the interior is a triumph. At the centre of the library is the transparent King's Library, a six-level glass cube housing the book collection of George III.

The sound-proofing in the library is wonderful; auditory distractions are minimized through unobtrusive acoustic engineering, creating an aura of peaceful calm. Although the Modernistic style may not appeal to everyone, the reading rooms are nothing if not comfortable, with a capital C.

You'll need to apply for a reader's card to enter the reading rooms, but the public areas, including 3 exhibition galleries, are open to all. An illuminated Manuscripts Gallery, exhibits of Shakespeare original folios, the Gutenburg Bible, and other original author's manuscripts, as well as changing exhibits and world-class events program makes this a must-visit if you love books.

Visiting the British Library is extremely easy; it stands immediately west of St Pancras tube and rail station. just follow the signposted station exit.