ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´

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:

  • Who is in and
  • .

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

Who can use the library

Current ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ students, academics and staff can all use the library following a . You'll need your University card with a barcode to take out books. 

If you're not a current ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ 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 . We have also have full accessibility information for the Library. More information about general College accessibility can be found on the College's accessibility page.

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.

Further resources

For all current students, Fellows and staff of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´, please visit our 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 ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´. 

Hear from our students

  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Jake

    Postgraduate

    When applying to Cambridge colleges it can feel a bit overwhelming as there are so many to choose from. I applied to ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ because it has a large MCR which was important for me because I wanted to feel part of a community. Now that I’m doing my PhD here, I’m very glad I did choose a college with a large postgraduate community. Throughout the year there are lots of postgraduate events, including formal dinners, special formals at Christmas and Easter, bops in the bar and film nights in...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Postgraduate at ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´

    Tom

    Postgraduate

    There are many reasons why I’m so happy to be a part of ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´. The three biggest reasons for me are the opportunities to be involved in College sport, the support the College provides for me with for my research and the help in making sure that we have comfortable, affordable accommodation when we have needed it. ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ is so friendly and so it is incredibly easy to get involved in the sport and social side of the College. The MCR does a great job in welcoming new...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Fiamma

    Postgraduate

    ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´, my home. I am truly grateful to be able to call ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ my second home. It was my preferred option when I first applied for my MPhil and I could not be happier to still be here during my PhD! There are many reasons why Jesus stands out from the other colleges: from its fantastic facilities to its glorious formal dinners and to its wonderful café and brewery room. The Quincentenary Library is a lovely place to study. It has many spaces to choose from and everything...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photo of postgraduate student

    Ellie

    Postgraduate

    ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ has been a great home for me during my PhD. I chose ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ for a number of reasons – first, the location. We are central enough to be within easy walking distance of most things, but far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle (and tourists in summer!). The College also has extensive grounds, with amenities like the hockey pitch, football pitch and tennis courts all on site. Secondly, the accommodation is some of the best I’ve seen in Cambridge. My house was newly renovated when...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Postgraduate at ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´

    Dolly

    Postgraduate

    I chose ÌÀÍ·ÌõÔ­´´ because of the great mixture of undergraduates and postgraduates, and when I first visited I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen! The sense of community in Jesus has had an enormous impact on my experience here. Whether you need help, advice, cheering up or even just a chat there is always someone there to put a smile on your face. From the MCR committee to the Porters, the canteen staff to the gardeners, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Jesus also...

    Read more
    Postgraduate