Nine million items. That’s how many treasures reside within the walls of Cambridge University Library. A breathtaking collection spanning centuries and cultures. Welcome to this grand institution a place of scholarly pursuit and historical significance.
The Cambridge University Library isn’t just a library. It’s a living archive. Its story begins long before its current magnificent building. In the 14th century books were kept in simple chests. Then in March 1416 William Loring’s will bequeathed volumes to the library its first recorded beginnings. This marked the creation of a shared space for learning a crucial step in the library’s evolution.
By 1424 the collection had grown to a respectable 122 volumes. This humble start shows the library’s steady growth. The English Reformation presented challenges. While there wasn’t widespread destruction of books like at Oxford some were lost. Donations were also scarce. The library’s growth accelerated in the 16th century. Generous donations and the privilege of legal deposit significantly boosted its holdings. By 1648 the House of Commons even ordered funds for the library a testament to its growing national importance.
The library expanded. The Cockerell Building on Senate House Passage was built in 1837-42. This provided much-needed space. But even this couldn’t contain the burgeoning collection. A. F. Scholfield the librarian from 1923 to 1949 spearheaded the initiative for a new and larger building. This led to the construction of the iconic building you see before you today.
The site was a former military hospital. It was the 1st Eastern General Hospital a facility that treated military casualties during World War I. It housed 1700 beds and cared for around 70000 casualties. Giles Gilbert Scott designed the new University Library. He also designed the nearby Clare Memorial Court. Construction took place between 1931 and 1934. John D Rockefeller provided a significant portion of the funds. His generosity even influenced the design including the addition of the distinctive tower.
This tower visible for miles is a striking feature of the library. It’s 157 feet tall slightly shorter than St John’s College Chapel. Despite urban legends it does not contain Victorian pornography. The library continues to grow. Ground and underground extensions provide storage. The Aoi Pavilion houses the Japanese and Chinese collections. A state-of-the-art storage facility in Ely further accommodates the library’s vast collection.
Cambridge University Library is a vital part of the UK’s heritage. As one of six legal deposit libraries it receives a copy of every publication from the UK and Ireland. The library’s holdings include a Gutenberg Bible Charles Darwin’s notebooks and countless other treasures. It is unique among UK legal deposit libraries for its open-access policy and generous lending system for some users. The library’s commitment to preserving knowledge and making it available to scholars and the public alike is truly commendable. Step inside and experience the magic for yourselves.