British Library

National library of the UK. Created in 1973, it comprises a reference division, lending division, bibliographic services division (incorporating the British National Bibliography), and the National Sound Archive. The main collections, formerly scattered in London and Yorkshire, have been housed since 1997 at Euston Road, London, next to St Pancras railway station.

When it was built in 1997, the new library was the largest 20th-century building in the UK. It holds 12 million volumes, can accommodate 1,200 readers, and includes a conference centre and exhibition facilities. The British Library is considered one of the world's most important research libraries and contains historical documents dating back to 300 BC.