QYPE*

I’ll admit to only having done the special exhibits at the British Library; I’ve not needed to do any research there in the main collections. But the special items are certainly worth a visit, not least because it’s free to do so.

I’ve gone a few times, and I’ve always been wowed by their Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible, the Sinaiticus Codex, original lyrics from The Beatles, and the last written words of Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Not everyone is fascinated by wandering around a large, dimly-lit room staring at scraps of ancient papyrus through glass, but I am.

Last year’s temporary exhibit, Sacred, was incredibly good. It was a really informative and inspiring presentation of religious texts from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Keep an eye out for special events like this, because they really go all out.

The British Library may not be on your visiting friends’ must-see list, but you owe it to them to suggest it.