The Library of Babel
Every possible page of text that could ever exist, already written, sitting at a findable address.
Opens in a new tab. We do not control this site and it may have changed since we catalogued it.
How to get the most from it
The Library of Babel sits in Free Libraries under Learn, filed as a minute.
- Give it one round. There is nothing to finish and nothing lost by leaving.
- Use a laptop or desktop computer — we file it as desktop only.
- It works with the sound off, so it is fine on a train or in a quiet office.
- No account needed — you can start without signing up.
- Go in expecting something weird, unsettling and brainy.
About this category: Public-domain books, scanned art, academic archives and collections built by people who cared far too much about one subject. Bring time.
Good for
- A one-round break between tasks
- Seeing the internet at its least explicable
- A little creeping unease
- Giving your brain a workout
- A quiet break at your desk
- Trying it with zero commitment
The Library of Babel: quick answers
Is The Library of Babel free?
Yes. The Library of Babel is free to use and needs no account.
Do I need an account to use The Library of Babel?
No. You can use The Library of Babel without signing up for anything.
Does The Library of Babel work on a phone?
Not well. We file The Library of Babel as desktop only, so open it on a laptop or desktop computer.
Is The Library of Babel safe for work?
Yes, we file it as safe for work. It also works muted.
How long does The Library of Babel take?
We file it as "A minute": One quick round, then you can leave.
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