*** Please be aware that the BL is experiencing a technology outage due to a cyber attack. Please check their blog for updates. As this is ongoing, and there are no services available at Boston Spa, it is likely we will not run the minibus on this date. We will confirm two days before your booked date whether the minibus will run or not. ***

The University Library provides a free minibus service to the British Library at Boston Spa for our staff and students.

There is one trip per week on alternate Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year.

The pickup point is the corner in front of the Information Centre, at 9.30am (near the postbox). A member of Library still will be there to meet you. For the return journey, the minibus leaves the Reading Room at approximately 4.15pm.

All seats must be pre-booked no later than three days before your visit.

Please read the following information, then click Begin Registration and follow the instructions to book a seat on the minibus.

Registration for a Reader Pass

You don't need to pre-book a study space, but you must have registered and been issued with a British Library Reader Pass (a photo-pass) to use the Boston Spa Reading Room.

Registration will be done in person on your first visit. British Library staff will arrange this with you when you arrive.

Please ensure that the correct ID is brought. Full details of what we need you to bring with you can be found here: https://www.bl.uk/help/what-documentation-to-bring-to-register-as-a-reader
To speed up the process, you can also pre-register online. Follow the steps under “2. Pre-register online”. This will also allow you to order material in advance of your visit.

Renewing a Reader Pass

If you already hold a British Library Reader Pass but it has expired, you will also need to renew this in person on your first visit. Please make sure you know your login details before your visit.

Pre-ordering physical material to use in the Reading Room

Please request the physical material you require using Explore the British Library in advance of your visit.

This should be done no later than 48 hours before your visit.

There is a daily limit of 10 items. You do not need to pre-order any electronic material.

If you do not have a Reader Pass: Please pre-register online (see above), and once you have an online account, you can request material.

If you need to renew your Reader Pass: Follow the “How to extend your online account” steps here: https://www.bl.uk/help/how-to-extend-or-renew-your-reader-pass, then follow the above steps to request material.

You can find more information about the Reading Room on our webpages.

If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, please email us and we will arrange one for you.