John Lennon Letters and Lyrics donated to the Nation - British Library first institution to benefit from the new 'lifetime giving' Scheme

Manuscripts of the lyrics to The Beatles hit songs “Strawberry Fields Forever”, “She Said She Said” and “In My Life”, handwritten by John Lennon, have been donated to the British Library under the new Cultural Gifts Scheme, introduced by the Government earlier this year. The scheme is administered by Arts Council England.

Entrepreneurs behind Pizza Express, Gü, Biscuiteers and Higgidy reveal their recipe for success for fledging businesses

Food and drink remains the single largest manufacturing sector in the UK, but in a competitive and crowded market food entrepreneurs need to be savvier than ever to survive. In partnership with Barclays, the British Library will be bringing four of the food giants that have successfully penetrated the industry together to discuss their ingredients for success to an audience of start-up and growth businesses at the flagship ‘Inspiring Entrepreneurs’ series on 19 June.

From The Little Red Book to the Green Cross Code, Propaganda: Power and Persuasion opens at the British Library exploring state propaganda from all over the world in its many forms

• 17 May to 17 September 2013

The British Library is delighted to present a major new exhibition examining state propaganda, from its origins in the ancient world up until the present day. With over 200 exhibits on display, ranging from chilling Nazi propaganda to modern day ephemera such as bank notes, badges and even tweets which permeate our everyday lives, Propaganda: Power and Persuasion is the first exhibition to gather such a significant range of international state propaganda in one room, looking at its rationales, methods and effectiveness.

Summer 2013: the British Library explores state propaganda with a new major exhibition and hosts a season of music celebrating Benjamin Britten and Wagner

The British Library this summer opens the new major exhibition Propaganda: Power and Persuasion, accompanied by a line-up of fascinating speakers and events as well as a performance from exciting multi media duo Public Service Broadcasting, as well as a new exhibition in The Folio Society Gallery, Poetry in Sound: The Music of Benjamin Britten, exploring Britten’s strong literary influences as part of the Britten 100 celebrations.