With more than 70,000 books in its collection, covering all the subjects studied at undergraduate level, the Kathleen Major Library at St Hilda's College is a valuable resource for students and researchers.
To ensure undergraduate students have access to the resources they need, the library holds multiple copies of the most frequently used items.
For research students, its specialised collections include medieval history and literature as well as women’s studies. Postgraduate students on taught courses also benefit from a dedicated fund to purchase books for the library.
Already an attractive space to work in and visit, the library building is being upgraded in 2024 to improve its accessibility. The library has step-free access to all areas and a disabled-access washroom facility.
Seven reading rooms over three floors provide seating for 120 readers. The galleried main reading room, dating from 1935, looks out over the River Cherwell and the spires of central Oxford.
The library offers readers six desktop PCs and an all-in-one printer, scanner and photocopier.
There is a large popular fiction section as well as recreational non-fiction and books to develop study skills.
The library holds a collection of around 700 rare books, dating from the 15th century to the present day. Most of the books have been donated, notably by Dorothea Beale, the College’s founder. These precious volumes are stored with the College archives in a secure environment with controlled temperature and humidity levels.
Opening times
The library is open to all current students and staff from 7.15am to 1am daily.
Members of the University and external visitors are only admitted by prior appointment with the Librarian.
Contact the library
Phone: 01865 276849
Email: library@st-hildas.ox.ac.uk
Follow the library
Search Oxford Libraries Online (SOLO)
Search for books
You can use SOLO to search for books held at St Hilda's Library.
SOLO is the search and discovery tool for the majority of the University's vast collection of print and electronic library resources including those held at St Hilda's Library.
St Hilda's College
Library Guide
The College guide to the library (LibGuide), hosted on the Bodleian Libraries website, provides information and resources for current students.
College Library Staff
