British Library - Make it a meaningful 2021

 

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Don't let lockdown get you down We may be off to a bumpy start to the year but don’t let that hold you back. This is the time for ticking off those new year’s resolutions. Whether you want to give your business idea some legs or learn a new language (Old English anyone?) we’ve got plenty to keep you inspired and in good spirits. And we could all do with that right now.

Light the spark Looking to kick off the year with creativity? Our collections could pave the way. Read about how some of our Readers ignited their bright ideas with us. Find out how our Business & IP Centre (BIPC) in Glasgow helped Annie, founder of Campbell Medical Illustration, with intellectual property and licensing. Get business savvy Learn more about how our BIPC’s Innovating for Growth programme helped social enterprise, The Good Slice, pivot their business. Get tasting Discover how graphic designer Kitty Bardsley takes inspiration from etchings found on our Flickr to create greetings cards and prints (and the beautiful image in our introduction). Get creative Read about how Caron got support from our BIPC’s Start-ups in London Libraries programme to help her demystify food allergies. Get started Learn about Sana Chant's lockdown embroidery project, stitching characters from medieval manuscripts. Get stitching See how artist Viv Youell uses sounds from our collection to help her visualise animals as she draws. Get listening

You've got to laugh After the last year we’ve never needed laughter more. Alongside creativity and passion, our Unfinished Business exhibition celebrates the humour with which women have fought for their rights. In this episode of our accompanying podcast, comedians Sandi Toksvig, Sara Pascoe and Shazia Mirza share their experiences of breaking into the male-dominated comedy scene. Crack a smile Study wherever you are Be kind to your mind this year. Join one of our online adult courses and get creative with like-minded people. We've got courses on Old English, travel writing and embroidery.  A new term

Help us make a difference We’re a charity. And, like many others, we face a significant financial challenge ahead now that our doors have closed once again. Your support helps to open up a world of inspiration and ideas for everyone. Every donation helps to share our collection further and provide the spark for that light bulb moment. An innovative start up like The Good Slice. The next new artwork for Kitty. Or even a medical breakthrough.   Help us take ideas far beyond the words of a page or the walls of a building – and into the lives and minds of everyone to learn from and enjoy. Donate today

Take your pick of highlights from our blog Party like it's 1979 Art in a pandemic Caring for our collection