UK literacy goes international

For the first time, the British Library is sharing its most important literary icons with audiences in China

The British Library’s Chief Librarian has signed a letter of intent sending Britain’s literature treasures to China.

Caroline Brazier, who steps down from her role next summer, met with Xiang Xiaowei of the Chinese Cultural Affairs Ministry to put pen to paper on a deal which will transport the Library’s prized assets to Shanghai Library.

The agreement is part of an ambitious cultural exchange programme with China funded by the UK Government.

The British Library will be developing exhibitions, online learning resources and a knowledge exchange programme.

In addition to introducing our work to audiences in China, the Library is also working to make itself more welcoming to Chinese visitors in London by ensuring BL staff learn Mandarin.

Kai-Chuan Chapman, Project Manager of The British Library in China, said: “The British Library will provide five highly significant manuscripts from English literature to showcase some of the most important authors working in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and the Shanghai Library will provide objects from its collections to complement these items.”

The agreement comes after the news that Caroline Brazier will be stepping down from her 15-year long role. Staff say her replacement will not begin until early next year.

“The recruitment process for Caroline’s successor will begin in the New Year, so it isn’t the case that anyone is currently lined up for it,” Ben Sanderson, head of Press and Communications, said.

Caroline said: “My time at the British Library has been the highlight of my professional life. It has been a huge privilege.”