Old Library

The Old Library contains approximately 25,000 early printed books and manuscripts. Special collections include material relating to Darwin and Milton. A card catalogue for early books and special collections, and separate catalogues for western and oriental manuscripts, may be consulted. A spiral-bound catalogue of Old Library books and manuscripts can be found in the Reading Room next to the Cambridge University Reporter. An extended article on the history of the College Library by former Librarian Cecil Courtney is available from the Library office for £1.00. Cards are also for sale; proceeds support the conservation of the Old Library.

To date, only a small proportion of the Old Library catalogue records have been put online. Online material can be found on the Union Catalogue (Newton). You can limit your search to holdings at Christ's by clicking on "Colleges A-N" and then selecting "Christ's College" from the drop-down limit menu.

Visiting scholars are welcome, by appointment only, and application should be made to the College Librarian. Members of the College may bring groups of no more than five visitors to see the Old Library, also by prior appointment only.

Click the links at right to find out more about the Old Library collections, details of current and forthcoming exhibitions, and how you can support the conservation of Old Library material.

Old Library News

Open Cambridge
The Bodley Library and current exhibition 'Christ's at War: the College and its members during the First World War' will be open to the public on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 September as part of Open Cambridge. Find out more on our blog.

Friends of the Old Library
Become a Friend and help the College protect its important collections of rare books and manuscripts for future generations. Contact the Alumni Officer for more details.

Library News

New term, new system
From 26th September you will be able to borrow up to 15 items for 2 weeks using the Library's new self-issue system. Read more on the Library blog.

Library blogs
Find Library news on our current awareness blog. Discover our latest exhibition, about Christ's and its members during the First World War, with our exhibition blog.

Online resources
Having difficulty accessing ebooks, ejournals, or databases? Why not ask the Library staff to help.