Family programme

The British Library welcomes children and families throughout the year to engage in creative activities inspired by our collection and exhibitions.

Published date:

7 December 2015

We aim, through our new family programme, to provide an accessible resource for families to attend and support their children’s learning, through interactive and experiential learning activities. Throughout the year, we offer free monthly workshops, family trails and large scale Discovery Days, involving poetry, storytelling, art, music, theatre and puppetry. Families have the opportunity to experience workshops led by an exciting mix of creative practionners, such as sound artists, poets, DJs, writers, illustrators, storytellers and sculptors.

An important aim of the programme is to increase the number of local families engaging with the Library, giving parents the opportunity to encourage their children’s development in a fun, relaxed and informal environment. We want to inspire young people and leaners of all ages, inviting families to think of the British Library as a place for enjoyment and lifelong learning.

Our monthly family workshops, printed family trails and exhibition entry for under-18s are all free of charge.

Supported by

The family programme is generously funded by John Lyon’s Charity, providing opportunities for children to access and engage in creative educational activities through free family workshops.

Family activities

Find out more about our up-coming family activities

Family trails

Pick up one of our free new family trails!

The British Library - Packed with fun facts, exploration games and drawing activities, the trail will take you on a journey of discovery across the British Library to uncover a 6ft tall atlas, a library built by a king and an optical illusion made of books! Download a PDF copy or collect from the Information Desk in the main entrance during your visit.

West Africa Trail for families and young people: go on a journey through a fascinating exhibition of literature and music, discovering the ways that people in West African countries communicate ideas, stories, secrets and beliefs. Download a PDF copy or collect from the Box Office in the main entrance during your visit.  

Contact and feedback

Please feel free to contact us if you would like further information, or to feedback on your family experience at the Library. Your comments are always welcome and help inform our future programme.

Contact Nicola Pomery from the Learning Team on nicola.pomery@bl.uk or +44 (0)20 7412 7336.