Image of Students in the Library

Quincentenary Library

The Quincentenary Library is the College's working library. We have more than 60,000 books and other resources covering most of the taught courses in the University.

You can find us in Library Court on the main College site. We're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, most days of the year. There are lots of different areas to sit and study, and we have WiFi internet access throughout the whole building.

On our LibGuide, you can find full details on:

There's a guide to using the library, also available in hard copy on the reference desk.

Who can use the library

Current Jesus College students, academics and staff can all use the library following a library induction. You'll need your University card with a barcode to take out books. 

If you're not a current Jesus College student, academic or staff member, you'll need to email the librarian in advance of your visit to seek access. Please note that:

  • If you're a former student, you can get a temporary access card from the Porters' Lodge but you won't be able to borrow any items
  • If you're a member of another College, you won't be allowed general access to the library or borrowing rights, but you can make an appointment to consult one of our items
  • Members of the public aren't allowed general access to the library, but you can make an appointment to visit us.

Accessibility

For the library’s key accessibility features; help with finding, borrowing and returning books; and details of our large accessibility collection; please visit the accessibility page on our LibGuide. On AccessAble, we have full accessibility information for the Library plus a detailed guide for the whole College site.

We're happy to offer 1:1 inductions to the library and provide individual academic skills sessions; please book these in advance by contacting Library staff. The librarians are always willing to consider anything else that you think might help you; please let us know your ideas.

More information about general College accessibility can be found on the College's accessibility page.

Further resources

For all current students, Fellows and staff of Jesus College, please visit our LibGuide to find out how we can support your research and the development of your academic skills. 

As well as the day to day resources of the Quincentenary Library, Jesus houses many old books, manuscripts, personal papers, and records in the Old Library and the College Archives.

The Kwok Computer Room on the ground floor of the library building is also open round the clock.

The Webb Library is based in West Court; it is not part of the Quincentenary Library.

About the building

The Quincentenary Library was designed by the architects Evans and Shalev, and was officially opened by the Queen in March 1996 to commemorate the 500 year anniversary of the foundation of Jesus College. 

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