Literature at the Library

About our events

A year-round series of events about Literature for book lovers, including popular and contemporary literature, fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

What's on

  1. Jamaica Kincaid and Olivia Laing

    The Radical Power of Gardening: Jamaica Kincaid and Olivia Laing

    Two acclaimed writers in a special event to launch the British Library exhibition, Unearthed: the Power of Gardening
    More info
  2. Photograph of P.G. Wodehouse reading a book in his study

    P.G. Wodehouse: the Man, the Musicals, the Manuscripts

    A celebration of P.G. Wodehouse with talks about his wide ranging creative oeuvre, musical performance and insights from his archive.
    More info
  3. titles and cover images of shortlisted books

    The Dylan Thomas Prize

    with Michael Sheen
    More info
  4. Image showing bookcovers of books listed for the prizes, these are on a blue background with the Jhalak Prize logo to the left hand side of the image

    The Jhalak Prize 2025

    Free
    Where will the Jhalak prizes go next?
    More info
  5. Woman speaking.

    JLF London 2025

    JLF London returns for two days of inspiring conversations, ideas, books, music, food and more
    More info
  6. Percival Everett

    The Myth of Authenticity, by Percival Everett

    The Douglas W. Bryant Lecture in American Studies
    More info
  7. Black and white photograph of an audience of adults, the words British Library are stamped vertically in white in the centre of the image

    RSL presents: A Century of Mrs Dalloway

    With Elaine Showalter, Merve Emre and Phelim McDermott
    More info
  8. Black and white photograph of an audience of adults, the words British Library are stamped vertically in white in the centre of the image

    WriteBack: with Nuar Alsadir, Nikesh Shukla, Claire-Louise Bennett and Helen Mort

    What do writers talk about when they’re not writing?
    More info
  9. Grammarland: A Book for Good Boys and Girls

    English Grammar Day 2025

    Join us for a day of talks and discussion about the state and status of English grammar.
    More info