Hosted as part of Heritage Open Days and Open Cambridge 2026.

Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (known for the Tate Modern and Battersea Power Station) in 1934, our Grade II listed building holds over nine million books on 210 kilometres of shelving.

These tours of Cambridge University Library take you through some of our extraordinary spaces including our grand Reading Room and Catalogue Hall. Explore some of the key moments in the University Library’s 600-year-old history, as well as our visionary plans for the future.

Accessibility & Suitability

This is a 45-minute walking tour around our large library building. Blue badge parking (3 spaces), accessible toilets and step-free access are available. However, please let us know in advance whether you require step-free access so we can ensure our event is safe and comfortable for you. You can email us at events@lib.cam.ac.uk.

Tours are suitable for all ages. Please book a ticket per adult and child (under 18) attending. Babes in arms do not require a ticket. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder during the tour.

Description supplied by the event organiser.