Americans React to The British Library in London - This is Incredible!

[@geoffpalmer6424]

The Bodleian Library in Oxford was opened in November 1602 and is one of the oldest in the world. It is mainly a reference library for the students of the Oxford Colleges. Worth a look on Wikipedia to learn more about it.

[@QuizzyWhizzy]

bodleian.ox.ac.uk

[@cketts8128]

I was about say the same! 😂😂👍🏻

[@chrissaltmarsh6777]

There is a much smaller one in St Edmund Hall (Teddy Hall). It used to be a church. It is really peacefull; I did a lot of work there as an undergrad, and occasionally dozed off.

[@neilmcdonald9164]

Both these libraries are part of the 6 that get a copy of every book published 🎩

[@neilmcdonald9164]

8km=about 5 miles 🎩

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

There are still twelve remaining chained libraries in the UK. These contain very ancient tomes which were chained to the bookcases hundreds of years ago. This allowed students to read them, while protecting the valuable books from theft. The most well known one in England today is at Hereford. It is housed in the 12th century cathedral, where one may also see the Mappa Mundi, the largest surviving map of the then known world, dating back to 1300.

[@pennycarter3433]

If I remember correctly the chained library in Hereford was moved to a building in the grounds of the cathedral to a building with controlled air conditioning etc. My husband and I saw it when it was still in the cathedral years ago when everything was still free. I'm not sure if the Mappa Mundi went with it.

[@reactingtomyroots]

What? We had no idea. That sounds really interesting

[@gabbymcclymont3563]

There is a Chained librerie at my brothers old school, the main building for the school is very, very old.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

@@pennycarter3433 Yes, the library is in a new building, but is still on cathedral grounds.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

@@gabbymcclymont3563 Yes, there are smaller chained libraries at Wells Cathedral, Wimborne Minster, Chelsea Old Church, the Royal Grammar School in Guildford, in Grantham in Lincolnshire (the oldest library open to the public in UK, open since the 1540s), and about six other places of which I'm not sure.

[@jonathanboland4450]

Publishers are obliged to send one copy of each of their publications to the British Library, free of charge, within one month of the date of publication. This became law in 1662.

[@chrissmith8773]

The building behind that you noticed is the hotel attached to st pancras station. Railway architecture at its finest.

[@sharonsnail2954]

I was raised in Islington (Angel) in the 50s and 60s. Walking down Pentonville Road you could see the soot and grime covered station at the bottom of the hill. It was an eyesore, a dump and not really used. Then it was cleaned. Wow!!! I can still feel the elation when I first saw it afterwards. What a stupendous sight. I remember it as being salmon pink such was the contrast

[@glennaustin37]

The BL is simply stunning!

[@furishiaikhlef2189]

My fourteen year old son won an essay competition and his contribution to crime writing will always be available in the British Library. Very proud Momma!

[@sharonwelsh8102]

I can well imagine how proud you must be

[@TheOrlandoTrustfull]

Lindsey's enthusiasm for libraries/books is infectious

[@reactingtomyroots]

She can't help herself :)

[@margaretflounders8510]

A girl after my own heart! My idea of heaven as a kid was something to eat, something to drink, and something to read...@@reactingtomyroots

[@da90sReAlvloc]

​@@reactingtomyroots check out the lit and phil library Newcastle that's a good library

[@stevenmutumbu2860]

​@@reactingtomyrootsIm not that suprised coz even the LONDRNERS dont know to visit BRITISH MUSEUM IS FREE ..IGNORANCE LEFT FOR TOURIST 😢😢

[@marvinc9994]

"Lindsey's enthusiasm for libraries/books" Puts her on the side of the Angels (IMHO)!

[@walkabout16]

In London's heart, where history breathes, The British Library, where knowledge wreathes. Americans arrive, a journey profound, In the hallowed halls, where wonders abound. A collective gasp, as the doors unfold, Americans react, in stories untold. To the grandeur of tomes, a library so vast, In the British embrace, a cultural contrast. Incredible, they murmur, as whispers traverse, A symphony of knowledge, a universe. Ancient manuscripts, in pages arrayed, Americans react, in awe displayed. Shakespeare's quill, in ink-stained grace, Americans ponder, in this sacred space. The Magna Carta's echo, in historical hue, In the British Library, where treasures accrue. Whispers of Dickens, in timeless repose, Americans wander, where literature flows. From Gutenberg's press, to the digital age, In the British Library, history turns the page. Americans react, to the manuscripts old, To the literary treasures, in scripts untold. In the hushed reverence, where culture unfurls, The British Library, a gem for the world. Incredible, they echo, in the library's embrace, A transatlantic journey, in knowledge and grace. Americans react, to London's treasure trove, In the British Library, where stories rove.

[@cherryclarke4704]

Ty that was very elegantly put❤

[@lisaweinmeyer5782]

Beautiful!!

[@colin-op2ty]

Wonderful ♥

[@reactingtomyroots]

Love it! Thank you ❤️

[@karlbmiles]

As an American of English descent, I appreciate you guys keeping this all this old stuff for everybody. England is America's attic.

[@whitedwarf4986]

Being from Manchester I have to point you towards Chetham's Library, Manchester, which is the oldest free public reference library in the English-speaking world. It contains over forty medieval manuscripts including Flores Historiarum, or The Flowers of Histories. Two long chronicles of the history of England written first in 1235, and added to no later than 1259. The library has been in continuous use since 1653. The John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester. An outstanding Neo-Gothic building which opened to the public in 1900. A Grade I listed building, it houses the Forme of Cury, which is the oldest surviving cookbook in the world, dating from the late 14th century. Originally made by the cooks of the court of Richard II, very few copies survive, but there is one at John Rylands. It also houses a copy of the first edition of 154 Sonnets by William Shakespeare published in 1609

[@reactingtomyroots]

Sounds like an awesome place! We'll add it to our list :)

[@helenbailey8419]

​@@reactingtomyrootsthe building is like a Harry Potter film setting.

[@alanlancashire6784]

Chethams Library has its' own KZbin channel, as well as there being videos on other channels.

[@anthonychetham2161]

I could not agree with you more, although, I may be a bit biased as you might see by my name 😂

[@Hannah-qg6kq]

​@@reactingtomyrootsI would add my recommendation to checking out these two libraries. There's a decent ten minute (ish) clip by a tourist company that looks at Manchester and showcases John Rylands and Chethams. Thanks for all your fab work on the channel.x

[@JackulaHD]

You mentioned wanting to see how the books are sorted and retrieved. I suggest watching Tom Scott's "This library has every book ever published." video. Released two months ago it shows you behind the scenes of the library and how the robotic shelves actually work! Also its not just books. They have every Newspaper, every leaflet, local magazine, journal. Literally every single thing published. Even children's comics with those cheap toys. An example of this would be s National Library of Scotland exhibition on the information given out at the start of the Aids pandemic using the informational leaflets that people received through their letterboxes. Essentially junk mail. Because they collect literally everything and reach out to educate self publishers etc that they also count, they really do have the ability to source anything.

[@gk1368]

Yes! I highly recommend that video, it was so facinating to see the bts

[@kezlana6907]

Yes! Fantastic video. So fascinating. I want to know how they keep the buildings that store the books, fire proof (if they do, I remember something about low oxygen? But it would be interesting to know if they put anything in place if there was a fire)

[@reactingtomyroots]

Thanks! We'll look that up. :)

[@seanmc1351]

the british library in london, has over 170 million items also guys, as well as the library, all the museums are also free, art, natural history.

[@reactingtomyroots]

That's amazing! What a great resource for locals and visitors, alike.

[@AM-dz2sh]

I am flabbergasted that London is not absolutely CHAMPIONED, if for nothing other than the 'FREE' access to science, art, history etc via HUGE 'world famous' and the hundreds of smaller/curated museums and galleries. I am so over the "London-bashing" BS. You don't want to live here..? Great f:ck off to a "nice, bourgeois" city/town/village... But do NOT bash the accessibility that your 2 kids are granted when they go on a school trip, or you do a 'Day out to the CITY'. I have travelled across 5 continents.. London is easily, without a doubt one of the best *cities* on the Earth. If you say otherwise, you so clearly have an agenda and you're lying

[@jerry2357]

The British Library's collection of academic journals is kept at the site at Boston Spa in Yorkshire, which supplies copies of articles to researchers in universities etc. through the inter-library loan system. EDIT: Have a look at the quick video "Using the British Library at Boston Spa" which was made for people at the University of York.

[@leedsman54]

I met my future wife while we were working there in 1976! It’s a lot different nowadays from what I’ve seen on tv and KZbin.

[@PLuMUK54]

You should look at the Library of Birmingham, which is the UK's largest public library. It's in a beautiful modern building with several garden terraces. It also contain's the UK's most important (and the world's 2nd most important) collection of material related to Shakespeare.

[@reactingtomyroots]

Awesome! Thanks for the recommendation

[@janinemhall6922]

Yes I second this! I love Birmingham Library.

[@vereybowring]

I have a friend that is a medical librarian, it took her many years to fully qualify. One of her very important works was writing a chapter for a textbook to help teach medical students how to search medical databases for information and I got to proofread her work (unofficially) and give my feedback. She is quite proud of this as she should be. A large part of her work is digitising and cataloguing medical journals for the library system which is a never ending task as new papers are written every day. Personally I am a digital book reader these days and when I transitioned I sold off hundeds of books (thankfully still while second hand books had decent value), mostly sci fi and fantasy but I did keep some. I had to transition, much as it was a heartbreak, as I just couldn't safely store so many books. The funny part was I sold off a few hundred, then my father found out and sent me another few hundred I still had at his home from my younger days so I carefully sorted through those and sold most. You know you have a lot of books when you forget you have a few hundred sitting somewhere else lol

[@reactingtomyroots]

haha, sounds like you could've opened your own mini library :)

[@vereybowring]

Well I had complete collections of many authors so yeah a whole lot of books not even counting text books, science books and my graphic novels. Two walls of my bedroom at the time (shared accommodation for reasons) were shelved for books from half way up the wall to ceilings (high victorian ceilings at that), small bookcases under windows etc. On top of that boxes in the attic at my dad's house lol@@reactingtomyroots

[@sugoruyo]

Yeah, as living space gets more expensive as well, it gets harder to keep them all around. Still, books and travel are the best possible use of one's money after the necessities of life.

[@clivehemming4778]

Check out chetham library Manchester, the oldest public library in the world.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Not just every book, every newspaper and magazine and publication is deposited.

[@abarratt8869]

...and school magazines, things such as that too so I gather.

[@finncullen]

I haven't managed to locate "Dawns and Departures of a Soldier's Life" in its entirety. Apparently Lord Cardigan had one of the volumes destroyed for defaming his character.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

@@finncullen Cardigan always was a snake! Fortunately Dawns and Departures can still be found in the personal collection of the late Augusto Pinochet

[@SP-eo1vl]

There are actually some missing books. But you will only tend to find out if it is one you are lookiing for.

[@williamgardner1560]

The picton library in liverpool is amazing

[@CatholicSatan]

Decades ago, as a university student, I had a summer job working in the British Library when it was still part of the British Museum. It now forms the entrance to the museum. I loved my time working in the British Library and it gave me the opportunity to do some research into the early days of non-Euclidean geometry (remember this was before the Internet!) and sitting at the desk where Karl Marx sat when he was in London.

[@benthompson9517]

I had the pleasure of visiting the John Rylands Library in Manchester. It was built in his honor by his wife, who also made it freely open to the public as a gift to the people. Great story for such a stunning building.

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

Oh yes. A really beautiful library..

[@mancitypj]

Yep, John Ryland's library in Manchester is fantastic and beautiful.

[@stewedfishproductions7959]

People often don't realise but 'beneath' the main library, the London site has FIVE levels of basement where the 'majority' of the building's collection items are stored. Reaching 24 metres BELOW ground level - _(the equivalent of an 'eight-storey' building)_ - the basements run as deep as the 'Victoria Tube Line', which runs alongside them. This ensures that books, papers and parchments are kept at ideal temperatures and away from damaging light etc. but also from unexpected _(future)_ 'human' incidents _(such as war)._ If the building’s air condition system fails and any of the 'galleries' go above the required temperatures, a backup cooling device is deployed which uses nine buckets of ice stored down in the basements. NOT seen by the general public are the 'Plant Room' areas _(in the basement),_ which are the size of SIX international football pitches... The 'library' is to keep peoples thoughts, ideas and emotions for others to be able to review as needed... As mentioned the UK's national library of is one of the largest libraries in the world. It is estimated to contain between 170 and 200 million items. Also held in the 'library' are actual recordings of people i.e. An actual recording of Florence Nightingale’s voice. To clarify, the British Library receives a copy of every publication produced in the UK and Ireland through legal deposit. Each year they usually receive OVER 500,000 printed and digital items _(over 100 terabytes from the UK web domain alone)_ - which are stored, kept and available to anyone who wants to review them for any reason. The British Library is the "World's Largest Library" in terms of the NUMBER OF BOOKS and MANUSCRIPTS in its collection. _(Although the Guinness Book of Records say's that the 'American Library of Congress' is the "World's Largest Library" in terms of SHELF SPACE !)_ - But everyone knows SIZE doesn't matter when compared to actual knowledge... Just saying! LOL

[@TanyaRando]

Haha my relative works there, she could probably check out the job situation for Lindsay. I totally understand, because I'm also a book lover. I'm a bit of a freak to my friends, they want to go clothes shopping and I'd rather go to a stationery shop.

[@sbjchef]

The library is older than the USA

[@nbartlett6538]

1973??

[@sbjchef]

the library not its address, the official British library was founded in 1753 at the British museum before evolving into its present form@@nbartlett6538

[@susanpearson-creativefibro]

The library is the collection of materials. It is only the current building the library is housed in that is built in 1973.

[@kyakimbal]

Steve, I love your journey. But you and your wife together is just magical. More please. All the best to you and yours❤

[@sparkyprojects]

An approximation is 100KM is about 60 miles, sso that's about 460 miles I doubt if Lindsay would 'work' there, she'll be too busy reading the books ;) I believe they are slowly digitising the contents, and making it available online

[@Jawa1604]

This year is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's first folio being published. George III (Of American Independence fame) was an avid collector of books. He acquired so many that he had to build an extra wing of Buckingham Palace to store them all. He is a figure you should take a look at as I think you'd be surprised how differently Americans are taught about him compare to how he actually was. if you do ever visit Oxford you have to take a tour of the Bodleian Library. It's an amazing place. Manchester also has some really interesting libraries including Chetham Library, the oldest public library in England.

[@BlameThande]

Seconded about George III. It is a mixture of funny and sad how Americans get taught he was a tyrant, when in reality the American rebels actually got angry for him for NOT overstepping his constitutional bounds and refusing to overrule Parliament when it was trying to tax them!

[@pdhywrd]

@@BlameThande what also amuses me is that the Americans think that they beat a fully involved British Army. Most of the British Army was involved in wars elsewhere at the time, and had been for some time, and it was a strategic decision to stop fighting on the American continent, which was never that important to the Empire as it cost far more to maintain than we got back from it, and concentrate on defeating our enemies elsewhere, including India, which were an actual threat to the British Empire. Essentially we allowed them to 'win' their War of Indepence because we had far more important wars to win.

[@markthomas2577]

I was a member (Reader) of the British Library in the 80s 90s and 00s ........I used it for work reaearch purposes. It's a really a reference library for research not a lending library. I first starting using it in the old British Museum Building before the current building opened. You can go into the building without being a member but you're not allowed int the rooms where the books are ....... but you can go in the exhibitions, the shop, the restaurants, look at the art works etc in the open areas

[@judithcole5996]

Hi Lindsay. Try the London library, the new library in Birmingham, the Bodleian Library in Oxford and Trinity library in Dublin -- just for starters!! I worked in libraries for nearly 20 years before i retired -- love them! 5:34

[@reactingtomyroots]

Awesome! Thank you ❤️

[@tonyeden2944]

Right, this is what you are going to do. Steve flies to London and spends a few days at the Crossness sewage disposal engine helping the restorers. On the same day Lindsey flies to Paris ( you know "Paris, France") and has a lovely few days. Then Lindsey gets on the Eurostar train at Gare du Nord in Paris talking her through the French and English countryside at 187 mph, and through the tunnel under the English Channel. Steve makes his way to St Pancras International Station and admires the beautiful building he saw at the start of the video right next door to the British Library. Steve meets Lindsey as she gets off the Eurostar train and five minutes later they are both in the British Library. Then together they tour the UK for several months meeting up with all us "fans". And joined by Sophia of course. I think that plan is workable, don't you Lindsey?

[@MasterZeus94]

I still have my British Library library card, even though I'm across the channel and can only visit once a year :D It's really lovely

[@traceymitchell2043]

I worked at the British Library from before the opening to 1999 and met my second husband there. The books are stored over 4 floors below the library. The library also has rare manuscripts,maps and music. It was a wonderful place to work.

[@andrewhargreaves504]

Lindsay it’s one of the most wonderful days out. BTW the building behind is St Pancras station & the hotel. This is the station which connects us to the Eurostar to Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam.

[@johnm8224]

Cambridge University library is interesting architecturally... I think it too is a Deposit/Reserve library, meaning everything published in the UK must provide a copy to the library, as is the Bodleian in Oxford and a few others.

[@dees3179]

You are correct. It is a legal deposit library.

[@hannukah812]

The building in the background is St Pancras station, it’s a beautiful building!

[@anthonydarby3973]

Hiya Steve and Lindsey, you MUST!!!,check out a library in Manchester here in the UK. The library is, The John Rylands Library. It was built as a gift for him by his wife. The architecture, masonry, carpentery and stained glass is unbelievable considering considering that this is a library. There are several videos you can watch but one of the best ones is 13mins 43 and filmed in 2022. You will both love it, thanks for all your videos, take care Tony.

[@reactingtomyroots]

That sounds like something Lindsay would love for sure! We'll add to our list. Thanks :)

[@clairealbrighton5963]

I am a fellow library fan and some of my favourite things to do. The Bodleian in Oxford does behind the scenes guided tours which is amazing as its so beautiful and not somewhere you can visit outside the tours. There is a library that you can actually go and stay at called Gladstones is so fun. The British Library does some really great exhibitions too. I hope you carry on enjoying learning about the UK. I enjoy learning some more things about my country as you do. Thanks for your videos.

[@marvinc9994]

"Made of glass and PRAWNS..."? Now that IS innovative ;-)

[@claregale9011]

I love hearing about kids lovinh books , my son reads a lot and its stood him in good stead for his literacy and creative writing , so well done you guys for ecouraging her to be a reader 😊

[@D1331D]

In 1598 Francis Trigge, Rector of Welbourn, near Leadenham in Lincolnshire, arranged for a library to be set up in the room over the south porch of St Wulfram's Church, Grantham for the use of the clergy and the inhabitants of the town.The borough was responsible for furnishing the porchroom and Trigge undertook to supply books to the value of "one hundred poundes or thereaboutes". The two vicars of North and South Grantham, together with the master of the local grammar school (now The King's School, Grantham) were to control the use of the library, and took an oath to abide by the rules. The original documents still exist and are deposited within the Lincolnshire Archives. The library was the first in England to be endowed for use outside an institution such as a school or college. It is perhaps slightly misleading to call it "the first public library" but nevertheless its use was not the prerogative of a private group. This is a 'Chained Library'.

[@luf8699]

Liverpool Central Library is worth a look. Looks like it has been modernised since my visit 30 years ago when my father took me. I remember walking into the wooden oval room which looked full of old and wonderful books…

[@mohammedsmith1705]

I totally understand your love of libraries and books as a child i went to my local library every week and spent hours there a few times a week

[@TheCornishCockney]

Went there years ago and went to the front desk brandishing my local library card. She politely laughed and said “never heard that one before” She must have had that a million times.

[@reactingtomyroots]

😂

[@maryrichardson8790]

Thank you so much for this, I'm in England, but have not yet investigated this. Brilliant find!

[@kathchandler4919]

They have retained a beautiful book written by St Bede , completed up here in approximately 731BC on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Northumberland. It's seriously worth going out of your way to see, you won't believe the fantastic colours surrounding the script . Called Historia Gentis Anglorum ( An Ecclesiastical History of the English people)

[@shaunfarrell3834]

I used to have a Penguin copy of that, lent it to a then girlfriend and never got it back!

[@kathchandler4919]

@@shaunfarrell3834 there's not a Penguin book as classy, or over 1,000 pages 😉 😜

[@BlameThande]

You mean 731 AD not BC. Still very impressive obviously!

[@richardjohnson2026]

There are still King George III books in the original King's Library in the British museum. It's gallery 1, but is still known as the King's library. If you write to parliament you can be given access to the very special and old books from the King's collection that are actually owned by parliament and kept on show in the British museum for viewing

[@tanyaabram8336]

I am a lover of language writen and spoken, books and libraries. I have studied Calligraphy since i was 9, i totally get your passion and love for them

[@goldenlabradorskye]

Chetham’s Library in Manchester was founded in 1653 and is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world.

[@sarahsreviews5753]

The British library really does collect every book published here, you can even submit self published books to be added. My Dad & his history group did research into our local war memorial and collected as much information as they could about every single soldier who was memorialised on there. They self published the book for members of their group and other interested locals but there is also a copy of it somewhere in the British Library’s collection which is pretty cool

[@LB-my1ej]

I also love libraries and have taught my children and grandchildren to love them as well. Did you know that at this time of high power prices all libraries provide a warm space where people can go to keep warm and have a cup of tea. By the way it’s lovely to see Lindsay taking part.

[@cz8189]

the British patent library is fascinating, and is a beautiful building in its own right - I was lucky enough to spend some time studying there while I was working towards my Chemistry BSc in the Royal College of Science at Imperial College, London University back at the beginning of the 80's, My sister did her MA at Oxford and loved studying in the Bodleian - also well worth a visit.

[@judithcole5996]

Hello again. The National Library of Wales at Aberystwyth is great too!

[@SaintPhoenixx]

5 miles is almost exactly 8 kilometres. 746 km is 463 miles. Divide by 8, multiply by 5 is a pretty accurate way to do it.

[@generalapathy6446]

that's interesting as a kilometre is 5/8ths of a mile. Be a lot shorter shelves in America as you guys seem to like burning and banning books.

[@DSP16569]

@@Zulu-9 That'S why acceleration time 0-100kmh is the same as 0-62mph.

[@mosthaunted2]

The John Ryland's Library in Manchester would be a good video to check out, It's like something out of Harry Potter , You'll be amazed.

[@MsCheesemonster13]

Seconded. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe, and it is certainly stunning.

[@stephanie.r382]

Yes, it is such an amazing place.

[@reactingtomyroots]

Oh, okay! Thanks for the suggestion. We've never heard of it, we'll add to the list :)

[@debbiem7337]

It's incredible. So lucky to live in Manchester and it's free !

[@joepollard9476]

Many stately homes have large book collections. We live a short drive from Castle Howard, near York. I believe their collection amounts to around 20,000 volumes. The Howard family still owns the property, which is open to the public, including 1,000 acres of their estate. Chatsworth House in Derbyshire also has a large library. There are many more, but know these because they are within a short driving distance.

[@corringhamdepot4434]

All printed books published are supposed to be "deposited" to the British Library within one month of their publication by law. Part of the 1911 Copyright Act of Parliament. Repeated in the The Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003. Which replaced Common Law Copyright Law. Five other libraries may request a copy within 12 months of publication, and you are obliged to send it. However, the British Library is unlikely to chase you if you are a delinquent small self publisher.

[@DSP16569]

@@philjones45 Maybe when requesting a ISBN for the publication they will be informed and you need to send a copy.

[@corringhamdepot4434]

@@philjones45 Do a search for "theprooffairy", they have a webpage "3 Things Every Self-Publishing Author Should Know About".

[@reactingtomyroots]

That's pretty amazing that it's a law!

[@corringhamdepot4434]

"Mandatory deposit (17 U.S.C. section 407) requires the owner of copyright or of the exclusive right of distribution to deposit in the U.S. Copyright Office for the use of the Library of Congress two complete copies of the best edition within 3 months after a work is published". @@reactingtomyroots

[@DyranHunter]

@@philjones45 Yes, the requirement to deposit is on the part of the publisher, so authors who are published traditionally don't have to worry about it as a copy is sent from their publishing house. I'm about 90% sure they get contact information for the publisher via the registration of the ISBN number. I'm an independant author who self publishes her work and I got a request for a copy of my book from The British Library so, yes, they mean do EVERY publication. They can, and do, also request E-books and E-publications. As for the other 5 libraries, I got a request from them for copies of my book around 6 months after publication.

[@anitaherbert1037]

Occasionally my husband would take me with him when he had to work in London. He would drop me off at a famous museum or gallery but one of my favourite places to be dropped off was the British Library. I have had some facinating discussions whilst sharing tables in the cafeteria.... its always so crowded at lunch time. People come from all over the world to access information for their studies. Reccomend the beautiful illuminated bibles. I can not help imagining the monks in their scriptorium writing and illustrating the exquisite bibles, applying the gold leaf.

[@lindylou7853]

The British Library used to be in the British Museum… when this new one was built some of the lovely, lovely circular old library was turned into a shop and the courtyard built. When a new book is published in Britain, a copy of each book is sent to the British Library. Just like a copy of every stamp is sent to the king/ queen, as ??? George 5 liked stamp collecting

[@emmsue1053]

John Rylands Manchester. Some Harry Potter was inspired there. London's museums & libraries are amazing.

[@patriciaferguson9204]

Dear lady, do not give up on your dream of being a professional librarian. I went to grad school at almost 50 to get my MLIS after my son was grown. I would encourage you to also put the Bodleian at Cambridge and the York Minster library on your visit to the UK

[@raymartin7172]

Bodleian library, Oxford (where my wife's uncle was keeper of the manuscripts). Cheetham library, Manchester, Trinity College Library, Dublin. The Literary & Phiosophic Library, Newcastle upon Tyne. All worthy of a look.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

I second the comments about the Bodleian Library. It's the heart of Oxford University and is astonishing. IIRC the British Library is second only to the Library of Congress in the US in terms of size. 746km = about 475 miles (1.6 to one - 2.2 is the ratio of pounds to kilograms).

[@lewisyoung3074]

You guys have to check out Chetham Library. It's absolutely stunning and you will both love it!

[@RevPeterTrabaris]

I am absolutely gobsmacked. I will be trying to wrap my mind around what I have just learned, all day. Thank you so much for sharing this Steve and Lindsay. Peace

[@andrewobrien6671]

The John Rylands library in Manchester is awesome and worth checking out

[@AndrewAHayes]

I went on day out to the original British Library when I was at school in the'80s, WOW that is some building I hope it is still open to the public.

[@FrancisAdam-nf4kj]

There is just something so compelling about the written word that is irresistible too some people myself included I am a self taught reader since the age of 9 and I’ve never stopped since 58 now and new books still excite me too this day

[@cannyexplorer5357]

You should look at Tom Scott’s video about the background of the British Library. Also the Library has videos of their own.

[@tonym480]

For a quick and dirty conversion of Km to Miles, multiply the distance in Km by 6 and knock off the last digit. Example, 15 Km X 6 = 90, knock off the last digit, 9 miles. It's not exact but near enough for most everyday use. The building you like near the start of the video is the St Pancras railway hotel. St Pancras railway station is a gorgeous building worth a visit for its own sake.

[@sarahealey1780]

The British Library has just suffered a cyber attack, which has caused some chaos around the country, all Library's are connected to it and it has stopped a lot of book access around the country. This might not seem important, but I work for a Dr who is in development of a new therapy and cannot access research materials to finish the project xx

[@maxmoore9955]

Only question is why.

[@antonymash9586]

@@maxmoore9955 Because its there. Thats how people do.

[@reactingtomyroots]

It's pretty sad when a library has to worry about being a victim of a cyber attack!

[@WJS774]

@@maxmoore9955 Knowledge is power. It shouldn't be that surprising that our enemies might target the British Library if they want to sow chaos. Or for simple vandals to target it for the same reason.

[@BlameThande]

The University of Cambridge has a number of important libraries - I spent several years living opposite the largest of them all. My favourite though was the Sedgwick history library, whose building is designed to look like an unfolding book. Very good to hear about your daughter experiencing so many books, I teach university students and it's really noticeable (and sad) how people get held back from learning later when they're not exposed to reading at an early age by their parents.

[@RoyCousins]

The Reading Room of the British Museum (which was originally the Reading Room and main building of the British Library) is open to the public. Built in 1857 as a rotunda, the area around it was enclosed by a huge glass ceiling in 2000. The building has featured in several films, notably including "The Ipcress File" (1965).

[@SirZanZa]

you can't understand how much is in this place until you see it, its colossal.

[@Peterraymond67]

Lyndsey. The British Library receives a copy of every book published in the UK and Ireland. They are not all in London. They have a depository in Yorkshire. If you venture to Oxford there is the Bodleian Library, a reference library for Oxfords students and staff, it is open to the public 7 days a week. Wales has a similar library in Aberystwyth, a university town on the mid Wales coast, I’m not sure if the Welsh one is open to the public. Nearly every town and village has a library and free to enter and run by the local education authority. Most have computers and internet access. P.S. the British Library is next door to London International (St Pancras) railway station where you can get a train to Paris, France.

[@jonathanperrins8432]

Just think that ' 50 shades of gray' is in that collection as well as Shakespeare's works... Talk about from one extreme to the other lol

[@reactingtomyroots]

😂

[@Lazmanarus]

And all the Harry Potter books.

[@gsmith2000994]

Theres actually 6 national libraries in the UK which includes Welsh, Scottish and Irish. You need to send a copy to each now. I work in the national library of Scotland. Also, it's not just books. Magazines, maps music sheets, etc need to be sent. So it has every 18 rated magazine published as well 😂.

[@lesdonovan7911]

Hi Steve most of our towns if not all have Libraries I have fond memories of going into the town on a Saturday afternoon with my father as a child to change his books, over here you were able to take up to 6 books out at a time free of charge and return them within 7 days, if you was late you had a small fine. Not sure if you are still able to do that now I am talking 65 years ago.

[@johnsbone]

That fancy building you saw behind the British Library is St Pancras Railway station. It has 6 star hotel and both UK railway terminals and the HS-1 Eurostar international terminal for London to Paris/ Brussels/ Amsterdam train routes. Via the channel tunnel

[@DylRicho]

2:15 That's the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel across the street from the library. It forms the front of the St. Pancras International railway station, with King's Cross station across the street from that.

[@marcuswardle3180]

The British Library also holds a Newspaper Archive in Boston, in the North of England. There they hold nearly all of the copies of the newspapers of the UK. The building in which they are held has been designed that there is not enough oxygen to light a match! This ensures there will be no fires. Secondly, the building is kept in total darkness. All the newspapers are kept in racks with automated machines going up and down the racks pulling out the papers or putting them back. I believe they are building another one at the moment. The conservation centre attached to the British Library is my favourite!

[@askinlad]

The building behind it you liked at the front of the clip is St Pancras train Station which is amazing.

[@gallowglass2630]

Trinity library in dublin is being refurbished at the moment and actually they are no books there at all now .the books are actually being cleaned and the refurbishment will take 3 years but the book of kells will be on display in the courtyard.So unfortunately for 3 years the library will be closed,but they are alternatives like the chester beatty library and marshes library when you visit dublin.

[@stevelknievel4183]

The building behind the British Library is London's St Pancras railway station. Its where the Eurostar services to Paris and Brussels leave from.

[@PeterRobinson-vs2ck]

the building in the background is St Pancras railway station on the Euston Road in Kings Cross. It's a really busy part of London and a major East/West route.

[@MsGerryo]

I visit the British Library quite often. The reading rooms hold incredible collections and it is an amazing, calm place, where people gather to study or just relax and enjoy the peace and ambiance. The Kings collection of books at its centre is stunning❤I hope you get to visit some day x

[@jennigee51]

I’m amazed, I didn’t know any of the facts about the library, I’ve actually never thought about it at all!

[@kayfountain6261]

The Treasures Gallery is a lovely place to visit either a 'proper' visit or somewhere to spend up to an hour looking at a few things whilst waiting for a train. And healthier than spending that hour on the pub!

[@discontentedcitizan6046]

The building in the back ground is St Pancres international station used in Harry Potter film platform 9 & 3/4 is there. Its a beautiful building and free to see. London has some great bookshops .

[@frankparsons1629]

King George the Third's book collection, 80 thousand, thats a great many books, but then he was particularly interested in the Sciences as well as the Natural World and the latest technological advances in farming. A very well schooled man and also active and up to speed, and did meet with many of the great names in his time. He could certainly hold his own without a doubt. A pity he is more generally known only for his bouts of sickness (possibly Porphyria). He lived to a ripe old age (for those times) of 82 years but after 1810 was blind and deaf and suffering much pain from rheumatism, so sad an end to be trapped in his own (clever) mind.

[@lindsaydrewe8219]

Must be something about the name, Lindsay..as a book loving Lindsay myself. Bookshops and libraries are like catnip to me❤❤❤

[@DyranHunter]

There's a copy of my book in there right now, which is SO surreal!

[@rogerb68]

Another brilliant video with you both, can't wait for your next one..😀

[@sorscha1308]

Aww - i was just there last week. It was on the way between Kings Cross and the conference venue i was going to, so i got a little time to explore on the way to and from. Didn't have time to explore the Fantasy exhibition that's currently on but did spend an hour in their 'treasures' exhibition. Such an amazing collection & that central 'King's Tower' is just immense in real life. The building in the background is St Pancras Station and they used the same red brick to build the library.

[@alimantado373]

Somewhere you have to visit, when you come to the UK. The grounds are amazing , and you can look at books and manuscripts dating back to 16th century. Its on Euston Road just behind Regents Park. Down the Road is Baker street. The architecture is Modern but contains the historical St. Pancreas building from the Victorian times. You need at least a week to see everything. Its also free!

[@SuzieLady]

I live 1/4 mile up the road from this library 😊 It really is massive. The architecture is not my cup of tea and the building that you noticed behind is The Renaissance hotel and St Pancras. It’s beautiful and was used in Harry Potter’s film. Great video and enjoyable interaction between you. 😊

[@RollerbazAndCoasterDad]

I appreciate the food in the cafe there and that my little brother was able to use it as a refuge to study for his MBA in a tough time.

[@RollerbazAndCoasterDad]

When you come over second hand bookshops on Cowgate/Grassmarket in Edinburgh will interest you and the scottish national library has an amazing map collection

[@BenBallard13]

​@@RollerbazAndCoasterDadhay-on-wye in Herefordshire is also a bit of a bookshop mecca too.

[@RollerbazAndCoasterDad]

​@@BenBallard13Yes, my friends who are lucky/talented enough to be invited to talk at the festival speak highly.

[@BenBallard13]

@@RollerbazAndCoasterDad that's cool...! There's something about the smell of old books, wood and leather that's really pleasing I find.

[@denishinds3777]

All the major Towns & Cities of the UK (not just England) have very high standard City 'Central' Libraries. I'd suggest you check out the ones in Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool. Liverpool's Central Library (incorporating the Picton Library) was the first Public Library in Great Britain.

[@richardjohnson2026]

If you make it to London you should check out the Round Reading Room in the British museum. It housed some of the King's library, early works of Shakespeare etc. People like Thomas Grenville worked there before he was Director and principal librarian of the British museum and library. Its the 3rd or 4th largest un supported dome in the world!

[@michaelwynn8763]

I worked on the building. it is bomb proof that is why it's a strange shape. the building behind is St Pancress station.

[@chillijoe8264]

the natural history museum is worth a visit just to admire the architecture.

[@PROJECTBEAST.]

Good job with reading to and encouraging your daughter to read. My wife and I took the same approach with our children. Both read very well. My son especially, now 6 has just been tested at school with a reading age of a 9 and a half year old. I'm not humble bragging but I'm very pleased. Read to and encourage your children to read people. If you can read you can self educate and though you won't have a certificate or diploma to show what you know, it will benefit your life. Knowledge is power.

[@clarewilliams1396]

Take a look at the Picton Library in Liverpool-stunning. And for fun,have a look at the fabulous library on the Queen Mary 2 ship..a marvellous place to read and watch the sea roll by.

[@lindsaydrewe8219]

There are several floors under ground as well, for extra storage of rare works

[@andrewhWTL]

Great to see your reaction. I worked at the Yorkshire site (Boston Spa) for 14 years and it was definitely an interesting place with a vast amount of material in addition to what is held in London.