London

It would not be a proper tour of England without a visit to London. While the literary destinations in the capital city are numerous, this week we will focus on just two.

The British Library

An obvious first stop is The British Library. If you are in London for a day trip, this is a convenient place to store smaller luggage as their lockers are free to use. Just make sure to pick up your bag before they close! While it is fun to explore the building on your own, you can also take a guided tour. The British Library holds some amazing collections and hosts a number of exhibitions year-round. 

A popular exhibition from a few years ago, Harry Potter: A History of Magic, is now on Google Arts and Culture for people to explore virtually. You can check it out here. Read a Q&A with the lead curator, view original sketches and designs for the books, learn about the history of magic, and more!
If you are interested in other exhibitions, The British Library has quite a few available on their website. 

Shakespeare’s Globe 

This world-renowned outdoor theater is dedicated to sharing the stories of William Shakespeare. It’s a must see if you are in London, but there are ways to visit it digitally as well. Start with the virtual tour below to see the space, watch performance clips, examine decorative details up close, and learn fun facts.

Though temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Shakespeare’s Globe is offering free video productions on their YouTube channel. There you will find artists performing their favorite excerpts of Shakespeare’s and full-length plays like Macbeth.

Related Readings
Want more content about Harry Potter: A History of Magic? The Library owns an ebook companion to the exhibition by the same name. You can check it out on OverDrive or the Libby app!

You can find many of Shakespeare’s works in eBook, audiobook, and comic format on hoopla digital.

Looking for something different, but still set in London? Book Riot offers a few lists here and here to aid your search. Need a little more guidance on finding the right book? Fill out The Library’s Book Advisor form to get personalized recommendations from our staff.

Next week we will wrap up our tour of England. Let us know in the comments below where you think we should travel to next!