Become a Patron
Become a Patron and develop a closer relationship with our extraordinary collections, experts and work.
Whether you’re passionate about a particular area of our collection, want to drive future research and discoveries, or care about making a world of ideas and inspiration open to everyone, joining as a Patron is a rewarding way to support the Library.
“The British Library is an excellent resource for students and research of all kinds – whether it’s academic, for family history, or sheer curiosity! I wanted to do something that would help ensure the Library’s wealth of resources remain accessible to anyone who wanted or needed them”
Linda Wain, Patron.
You can choose from three levels of support.
Patrons Circle
£1,500 - £4,999*
Enjoy:
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invitations to opening nights and private curator-led tours
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close-up viewings of our collection and masterclasses with expert curators
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behind-the-scenes access to our cultural event programme, with the opportunity to meet guest speakers
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a unique insight into our St Pancras and Boston Spa sites with an annual expert-led tour
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a complimentary British Library Membership, including free entry into our exhibitions for you and a guest, and use of our Members and Patrons Room
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a complimentary British Library publication from a selection of titles.
*Suggested minimum donation £1,250, benefit value £250.
Curators' Circle
£5,000 - £9,999
Enjoy all the benefits of the Patrons’ Circle plus:
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a bespoke conversation to enable us to discover more about your interests and tailor your relationship with us accordingly throughout the year
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invitations to join our expert curators for dinner around selected major exhibitions
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private behind-the-scenes group tours of Library areas that are closed to the public, including the stacks in our basement, our Sound Studios, Conservation Centre and Digitisation Suites
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an additional complimentary British Library publication from a selection of titles.
*Suggested minimum donation £4,670, benefit value £330.
Chairman's Circle
£10,000+ per year*
Enjoy all the benefits of Patrons’ and Curators’ Circles plus:
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a private close-up viewing of treasures in our collection, led by one of our curatorial specialists and tailored to your personal interests
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the opportunity to view restricted collection items in our secure vault, not usually available to the public
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an invitation to meet senior Library leaders including our Chair and Chief Executive, as well as prominent figures in the literary, scientific and cultural worlds through a series of unique and tailored opportunities throughout the year
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a complimentary British Library Membership to gift to a friend or family member
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a third complimentary British Library publication.
*Suggested minimum donation £9,565, benefit value £435.
Please note that the benefit value of your membership is not eligible for Gift Aid, and cannot be paid via CAF or a charitable foundation. Benefits can be purchased separately. Please contact supporters@bl.uk for further information.
Become a Patron
You can join online via our secure payment site or email Melanie Geelan at Melanie.Geelan@bl.uk to discuss alternative methods of payment.