bfi National Library

"An invaluable tool for anyone who wants to get a handle on the movies" - Mark Kermode

We provide access to a major national research collection of documentation and information on film and television. Our priority is comprehensive coverage of British film and television, but the collection itself is international in scope.

'The BFI @ 75: Preservation' exhibition

Tell us how the BFI's work has affected you in your everyday life to enter our prize draw to win a year's free Library membership.

Temporary changes to BFI Special Collections access

Due to staffing changes we regret to inform you that we will be temporarily unable to accept any requests for Special Collections materials until the beginning of October 2008, with the exception of unpublished scripts. Pressbooks may also be ordered where no microfiche copy exists.

Please note that requests for unpublished scripts and pressbooks may take longer than usual to be fulfilled.

Accessing the CollectionBook Catalogue

Search our online catalogue of over 50,000 books, which covers all aspects of film and television internationally.

Visitor Information.Visitor Information

The Library Collections can be consulted in the Reading Room, where you can also access our BID Database. Users need to buy day, annual or the new weekly passes.

Collections.Collections

Includes books, periodicals, audio tapes, cuttings and festival materials and special collections.

Collections.Acquisitions

Keep up-to-date with all the latest additions to the Library collection.

Publications.Publications

Investigate our wide range of publications about film and television.

Events and Exhibitions.Exhibitions and Events

Exhibitions and events taking place in the bfi National Library, with information and reading lists.

About the Library.About the Library

The history of the bfi National Library, with information about our preservation, acquisition and disposal policy.

Information Services

We provide information and research services to a wide range of users nationally and internationally.

Moving Image Research Registry

Searchable database of researchers and research projects in the UK.