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Rare Books
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The Rare Book collections of Cambridge University Library cover all subjects of study and include material from the first European printing presses in the fifteenth century up to the present day, and publications from all parts of the world. The Department is responsible for most of the older printed material in the Library, as well as more recent publications which require special care. Information on particular rare book collections can be found in the
Collections Directory
The collections are read in the
Special Collections Reading Room
, on the
north west corner of the first floor
of the Library.
Select other printed collections within the Library are also consulted in the Special Collections Reading Room:
Books from the Near and Middle Eastern, and South Asian, Tibetan and Southeast Asian collections printed before 1900
Printed books from the library of the
Bible Society
Books, pamphlets and periodicals from the
Royal Commonwealth Society
Official Publications
material
Printed music
published before 1900.
Working with groups
We welcome enquiries from college and university teachers wishing to use our print collections with student groups. There is teaching space available where groups can work, with capacity for up to 15. Members of the curatorial team are happy to assist if required with handling advice or technical information. If you are interested, please email
rarebooks@lib.cam.ac.uk
giving at least a week's notice before your preferred date.
Special Collections Reading Room Opening Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:30am to 6.50pm
Saturday: 9:30am to 4.30pm
Sunday: closed
Rare Books Department
Cambridge University Library
West Road
Cambridge CB3 9DR
Email:
rarebooks@lib.cam.ac.uk
Related links
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iDiscover Library Catalogue
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Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR, UK
Email:
library@lib.cam.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 333000
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