Number 25 - Visit the largest library in the world

The British Library is the largest national library in the world by number of items catalogued. Estimated to contain 150–200 million+ items from countries around the world.

The Library's collections include around 14 million books, as well as manuscripts and historical items dating back as far as 2000 BC. And the library receives a copy of every publication produced in the UK and Ireland (approximately 8,000 per day).

The library is situated in St Pancras with an open courtyard and gardens shaped as an amphitheater and home to the large bronze statue of Issac Newton. 

The architecture of the building inside is immense and extraordinary, encompassing five public floors sweeping upwards like a wave. Surrounded on both sides by 11 Reading Rooms, and the Library’s centrepiece is the magnificent King’s Library tower.

I spent a day at the library a few weeks ago and visited the Treasures of the British Library exhibition to discover the stories that have helped shape the world.

The exhibition tells the remarkable stories of over two thousand years of human experience.

From the first edition of the most printed book in the work The Bible, to original song lyrics written by the Beatles, Beethoven’s original manuscript of the 6th Symphony, original architectural drawings of Leonardo da Vinci and the infamous Magna Carta, it was truly amazing to see how the world we live in today has been shaped and has evolved from those original texts. From religion, cultural belief, societal change, to architecture, music, and stories, all preserved thanks to the library.

We’re all so consumed by digital and social media but there is something truly special about being able to turn the leaves of a book, feel the pages in your hands. Spending the day at the library’s made me realise I should spend more time to read.

We now live in a digital world where there are billions of people sharing their stories each day. Documenting their daily lives, sharing their experiences, thoughts and opinions, and who knows one day you’re story may help shape our world of the future. 

And if not, then just remember your writing and creating the story of your life.