The 1930s building of the Library, with its awe-inspiring vaulted timber ceiling, was complemented in 2005 by a multi-award-winning extension. This created a spacious IT resources area and a state-of-the-art repository to house the Archive and the Special Collections. These collections range from rare Sanskrit manuscripts to gifts of books from Girton’s most notable early supporters such as Tennyson, Ruskin, and George Eliot. There are extensive and internationally important collections on the history of women and work, the suffrage movement, and women’s education, as well as an extensive archive of the College’s ground-breaking history.
Library News
Library Christmas and New Year arrangements, 2025-26
Vacation opening hours for the Library:
- During the vacation, opening hours for current College members are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Please note that it may be necessary to close for periods during the day, depending on staff availability.
- Full Term opening hours (9am-11pm) will resume on Saturday 17 January.
- If you are planning a special journey to use the Library over the vacation, we recommend contacting us in advance at tel. 01223 338970 or by email to library@girton.cam.ac.uk.
Borrowing from the Library:
- Current students may borrow up to 10 items for the vacation, with loans due back by Wednesday 21 January 2026. No loans can be recalled during the vacation.
- Loans to current staff and fellows can be recalled during the vacation, and the loan period remains at 28 days (excluding days when the Library is closed).
Opening hours for the study rooms:
- Please book study rooms in the usual way over the vacation.
Electronic resources
E-books, e-journals, and other electronic services will remain accessible over the Christmas vacation. However, please note that any issues arising during this time may not be resolved until after the holiday period.
Archive and Special Collections:
The opening hours for the Archive and Special Collections are different. Please see the Arranging a Visit section of the website for full information, but note that the Reading Room is open by appointment only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm.
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