Activities & Days Out / 18 December, 2017 / Nanny Anita

Is This The Ultimate Christmas Gift For Bookworms?

I find that as I get older *sigh*, I am more inclined to take the same view with buying presents for friends and family as I do with buying for children. I often find myself looking at the gifts I have bought thinking, “it’s a cool present, but are they actual going to use it? Or will end up forgotten in the back of a cupboard?”

When buying for children I tend to get them an experience or subscription to something. EC and YC have both received animal adoptions through the WWF, we’ve gone to the theatre, EC was a zookeeper last year, and this year we’re going to the Harry Potter studio tour. Sure, they might be slightly more expensive than a gift, but the memories last a lot longer. So why then do I not do the same for my friends and family?

finally made!

I recently got given membership to the British Library. Somewhere I have always wanted to go but never found the time to visit. Now that I have the perfect excuse, I set out there for the day with BB in tow. All I can say is, this place is amazing! You can visit for free, but having a membership offers you a whole different experience. The member’s room is the perfect place to sit and unwind while enjoying a drink and a bite to eat. It also was a great place for BB to take a nap!

BB taking a nap in the members room.

Membership includes:

• Free entry for members and a guest to British Library exhibitions
• Exclusive access for members and a guest to the daytime Members’ Room, overlooking the King’s Library
• Entry for members and three friends to the Knowledge Centre Bar, with food and drink available every weeknight from 18.00 – 22.00
• Four free event tickets each year
• Priority booking and discounts for selected events
• Listings guides sent direct, so members are always up to date with what’s on
• 20% off in our public restaurants, cafés and shops
• Free book from the Library’s bestselling Crime Classics range
• 3-year extended Reader Pass

At the moment, they have ‘Harry Potter: A History of Magic” exhibition, which I highly recommend. It goes into depth about the research that J.K. Rowling did for the books, which is a must for any Harry Potter fan. The British Library is also home to the world famed Magna Carta, Jane Austen’s notebook and original Beatle’s lyrics.

Receiving this gift has made me incredible happy and will most definitely be making the most of it. I would have been over the moon if I had received this as a gift while studying at university. It would have given me access to their vast collection of books, which would have made doing my dissertation so much easier.

Therefore, if you have any students, teachers, or those who just love to learn in your life, why not give them membership to the British Library as the perfect Christmas gift. Create memories that will last longer than a cool novelty gift. Single membership is £80 for the year and joint membership is £120. For more information be sure to check out their website.