Not only does the UK have some of the most prestigious universities in the world, but there are also many historic university campuses with fascinating British architecture. Imagine how wonderful it is to stroll along the long corridors on your way to class every day, enjoy the green grassy courtyards and explore the ancient books in the libraries after class. Today, I have compiled the most beautiful TOP 10 UK university library for students; let’s see if your university is there.
John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library, the third largest academic library in the UK and one of the world’s greatest became part of the University of Manchester in 1972. It is a magnificent neo-Gothic building, voted ‘Best Landmark Building’ by the Manchester Awards and ‘Building of the Year’ by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and has won two gold medals at the Roses Design. It has also won two gold medals at the Roses Design Awards. The John Rylands Library was built in 1890 by Mrs Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband, John. The collection of St John Fragments is the oldest surviving copy of the New Testament, dating back to around 125 AD.
The Bodleian Libraries
The Bodleian Libraries is the second largest library in the UK, after the British Library, and one of the oldest in Europe at 400 years old. With an unrivalled collection of books and manuscripts, this historic building is Oxford’s main and statutory depository library, first opened to scholars in 1602. Oxford University has many other libraries, including the leading research and college, departmental and institute libraries. Oxford’s libraries hold more than 13 million printed volumes, over 80,000 electronic journals, rare books and manuscripts, and much more.
Palace Green Library
Initially founded in the 17th century by Bishop John Cosin, the Palace Green Library predates the founding of Durham University and has served as the University’s main library for 150 years. The Palace Green Library’s collections include medieval manuscripts and early printed books. It was also the first public lending library in North East England. In 1983, the Bill Bryson Library, a redesigned and enlarged science library, became the main university library, while the Palace Green Library houses the archives and some special collections.
The Lionel Robbins Building
The London School of Economics and Political Science Library was founded in 1896, a year after LSE. The outbreak of the Second World War had temporarily interrupted the library’s development, with the collection being moved outside London to avoid bomb damage before it was restored to use in 1945. It is worth noting that the LSE library has a distinctive design, with a spiral staircase encircling a pair of glass lifts, which came into being after the LSE completed an extension to the library in 1978, and the new site was named The Lionel Robbins Building.
Cambridge University Library
As early as the middle of the 14th century, the University of Cambridge owned and had a small collection of books. However, it was in the second decade of the 15th century that the first university library was built. By the end of the 16th century, the Cambridge University Library had a collection of up to 600 books. However, like other English libraries, the University Library suffered from the destruction and neglect of the Reformation and the following years. A large number of books and manuscripts from the library’s early years have nevertheless survived. Over its subsequent history, the Cambridge University Library expanded and grew by adding important collections and stacks of books. Over six centuries, the Cambridge University Library’s collections have grown from a few dozen volumes in a handful of disciplines to millions of books, maps, manuscripts, periodicals, and an ever-increasing number of electronic resources.
Maughan Library
Inside Maughan Library is a twelve-cornered reading room inspired by the British Museum and a former medieval church, now an exhibition space showcasing the library’s special collections. Once home to the headquarters of the Public Record Office, known as the ‘strong-box of the Empire’, and acquired by KCL in 2001, Maughan Library was named in honour of Sir Deryck Maughan, an alumnus of King’s College London. Designed by Sir James Pennethorne, the building was constructed in 1851 and further extended between 1868 and 1900.
UCL Main Library
Opened in 1828, the Main Library at University College London was designed by renowned architect William Wilkins and houses over 2 million books, including the first edition of Sir Marquis Gratton’s The Mathematical Principles of Natural Science. UCL alumnus Christopher Nolan’s film Inception was filmed in the Main Library. UCL alumnus Christopher Nolan’s film ‘Inception’ was filmed in the Main Library in the Flaxman Gallary under the domed roof of the Main Library. UCL’s Main Library has four floors of impressive artwork, including the Flaxman Gallery and circular sunset lights.
Edinburgh Main Library
Founded in 1580, the University of Edinburgh Library is the largest in Scotland and one of the world’s most significant and essential academic libraries. The University of Edinburgh Library is a rich collection of 3.5 million books, many of which are rare, attracting scholars and researchers worldwide. The University of Edinburgh’s Main Library near George Square is open to all registered users while serving the University’s Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, and Science and Engineering.
Wills Memorial Library
The University of Bristol has several libraries, and one of the most highly regarded is the Wills Memorial Library, which has an old-fashioned charm and a bit of a Hogwarts feel to its design. The Wills Memorial Library, located in the Wills Memorial Tower, was designed by Sir George Oatley, built in 1915, and opened in 1925. It is considered one of Britain’s last significant Gothic buildings. It opened in 1925 and is regarded as one of England’s last significant Gothic buildings.
IC Library
Information Commons was completed in 2007 and has a collection of over 1.5 million books. Compared with other libraries, the IC of the University of Sheffield is considered a relatively new building. The Information Commons (IC) is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and has over 500 computers, 1,300 study spaces, up to 100,000 copies of the most popular study materials, and even a shower room, making it a great place to catch up on your deadline. The building has a Study Room with the latest IT systems and a bathroom. IC also offers free computer repair services to TSE students.
FAQ
The libraries in UK universities are known for their grand architecture, serene environment, and extensive collections of books and resources. Many of these libraries have been around for centuries and have been carefully preserved to showcase the rich history and heritage of the university.
Most of the libraries in UK universities are primarily used by students, but they are also open to the public. Visitors can often access certain library areas, such as exhibition spaces or reading rooms. However, borrowing privileges may be restricted to students and staff only.
There is no specific dress code for visiting libraries in UK universities, but visitors are expected to behave respectfully and appropriately. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing as you may be spending long hours studying or working. Also, remember that some libraries may have temperature-controlled environments, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is advisable.
