About Family Station Relaxed Early Opening: Halloween Weekend
This early opening is for families with children on the autism spectrum and other sensory needs. Enjoy the Library before we open to the public.
At this Halloween inspired special early opening, you’ll get the opportunity to explore our Family Station, located on the Upper Ground Floor of the British Library St Pancras, which includes creative resources full of ideas to explore, make and play in the Library. Storyteller Emily from Dragonfly Tales will also be on hand to inspire you with some spooky tales.
The family station has fun interactive activities, sensory materials and an exciting range of children’s books including tactile and braille editions.
Our team will be on hand to support your visit and answer any questions
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 10.00.
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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Accessible events at the British Library
Join us for a range of events and activities for people with additional needs and disabilities including accessible tours, relaxed hours and group workshops. Explore our full range of accessible workshops.
How to find us and facilities at the Library
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