The Library
About the Library
The Kathleen Major Library at St Hilda's College is a spacious, well-stocked and attractive library. It houses around 70,000 books across all the subjects studied at undergraduate level, with multiple copies of the most frequently-used items. Our more specialised collections are also useful for research students. We have particular strengths in medieval history and literature and women's studies. The library also has a dedicated fund to purchase books in support of postgraduate students on taught courses.
You can search the College Library's physical holdings and online resources via SOLO. For news and information from St Hilda’s College Library, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
We have a large popular fiction section, including recreational material such as travel and cookery books. The library holds a small but significant collection of around 700 rare books, covering the 15th century to the present day. It is predominantly made up of donations, most notably by Dorothea Beale (1831-1906), the founder of the College. Together with the College archive, the rare books are kept in a secure archive store, where temperature and humidity levels are closely controlled.
With seven reading rooms over three floors, at full capacity the library offers seating for over 150 readers. Our galleried main reading room, dating from 1935, looks out over the River Cherwell and the spires of central Oxford. The library has step-free access to all areas, as well as a disabled access washroom facility within the library.
There are six desktop PCs and an all-in-one printer, scanner and photocopier.
Opening times
The library is open to all current students and staff from 8am to 1am daily.
Study spaces are no longer distanced for covid-19 but all windows should be left open for ventilation, and face coverings are still encouraged.
All remote services remain in place for students who are unable to, or would prefer not to visit the Library in person.
Members of the University and external visitors are only admitted by prior appointment with the Librarian.
To contact the Library Team, please email or phone 01865 276849.
