¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú

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 ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú 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 ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú 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 ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú, 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 ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú. 

Hear from our students

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    Alison

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    What first attracted me to ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú was its reputation and history, central location without being touristy, and the postgraduate housing options. When I arrived at Jesus I was so pleased to find the partner accommodation was spacious, affordable, and situated very close to the college, allowing us to really take advantage of the facilities. We especially enjoyed The Roost, the nicest of all the college bars, doubling as a café during the day - ideal for studying or meeting up with groups - and a lively pub in the...

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    Tom

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    There are many reasons why I’m so happy to be a part of ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú. 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. ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú 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...

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    Ahsan

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    It is a well-accepted opinion in Cambridge that ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú is the best college and no other college even comes a distant second. Its sports grounds are enormous, its buildings are mesmerising, its libraries are rich, its chapel is the oldest, its accommodation is the best value for money, its international community is diverse, its religious circles are the most welcoming, and its members are the smartest, kindest and the friendliest. It is one of the central colleges that aims to offer three years accommodation to postgraduates, and has comparatively...

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    Jake

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    When applying to Cambridge colleges it can feel a bit overwhelming as there are so many to choose from. I applied to ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú 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...

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    Matthew

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    ¹ú²ú¸»¶þ´ú has been at the heart of my Cambridge experience. I chose the College because I was impressed by its distinctive blend of academic rigour and extracurricular achievement. A College for all-rounders, Jesus is a lively and rewarding place to study. I couldn’t be happier here! Friendly and engaged, the Jesus postgraduate community never ceases to impress me. At ease with themselves and forever curious, my peers go out of their way to cultivate a sense of camaraderie. After a day of leafing through old manuscripts at the National...

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