About Fairy Tales: Relaxed Early Opening for Families
This early opening is for families with children with special educational needs including those on the autism spectrum and with other sensory needs. Enjoy the Library free from the hustle and bustle of the general public.
At this special early opening, you’ll get the opportunity to visit our new exciting, family friendly exhibition Fairy Tales. Then take part in a puppetry workshop in our Learning Centre with Little Angel Puppet Theatre. Get creative designing and crafting your very own puppet, before having a go performing with your creation.
A dedicated sensory room will be available for children needing a quieter and calmer space.
This event is free and suitable for parents and carers with children aged 5 – 15 years and their siblings.
All visitors to this special early opening will receive a visual story in advance to provide an idea of what to expect on arrival. Please note that the Library opens to the general public at 11.00.
Find out further useful information about facilities at the Library and how to find us.
Your support
The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.
Family activities at the Library
We have lots of free family events and workshops in London and West Yorkshire. Spaces can fill up quickly, so please book ahead.
You can also pick up a Family Trail from the Information Desk to help you explore the Library further, and visit our free Treasures Gallery.
Food and drink
Families are welcome at all of the Library’s cafés and restaurants. The Terrace Café on the first floor has lots of seating (including an outdoor terrace for sunny days). Highchairs are available in the Terrace Café and the Upper Ground Floor Café, subject to availability.
Families with children may also bring their own food to eat outside on the Piazza or in our public spaces, and there are water fountains that can be used to refill water bottles across the building. Please do not consume food or drink inside the exhibition galleries.
Baby-feeding
Parents are welcome to breastfeed or bottle-feed anywhere in the Library. Please ask a member of Library staff if you would like help finding a quieter space.
Please note that we cannot heat bottles or baby food in our cafés and restaurants.
Bags, cloakrooms and lockers
Our cloakroom and digital lockers are free to use, located on the Lower Ground Floor with step-free access. Please note our cloakroom is closed on Sundays, but you can still use our lockers. View more information on our bags and luggage restrictions.
Baby-changing and toilets
There are baby-changing stations available in the following toilets:
- in the men's and women's toilets on the Lower Ground Floor, near the cloakroom
- in the women's toilets near Reader Registration on the Upper Ground Floor
- in the men's and women's toilets in the Terrace Café on the First Floor
- in the men's and women's toilets in the Knowledge Centre.
Accessible toilets can be found on all floors. The nearest Changing Places toilet is at King's Cross station.
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