LATEST INFORMATION FOR THE WOLFSON LIBRARY - UPDATED 06/04/21
Library Access
The Wolfson Library is open 24/7. There are currently 21 study spaces available and you are free to browse and borrow. Please see our page on Library Service 2021 for detailed information.
Hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes have been provided throughout the Library. In line with University guidance, you are expected to wear a face covering at all times in the Library (unless exempt). You are permitted to drink by briefly removing your face covering but we kindly ask that you still refrain from eating in the Library. Please maintain 2m social distancing at all times and do not move furniture around; it has been spaced out for your protection.
Returning Books
Recalls will not be turned on during Lent Term, so you will not have to return books if you have taken them away from Cambridge.
The library book returns box is now in the foyer, near the entrance of the library. We regret that books from other libraries can no longer be returned to the Wolfson library. For non-Wolfson books, please use the book-drop boxes in front of the University Library or on the Sidgwick site (near the English Faculty and Lady Margaret Hall). If you graduated in 2020 and need to return books by post, several options are available depending on your location. More information is available on the University Library webpages.
Borrowing
If you are resident in Cambridge, you can borrow from Wolfson Library. Alternatively, you can use Wolfson's Request and Collect for up to 5 books per day. Many other libraries are offering similar services such as the University Library and Faculty and Departmental Libraries. As recalls will not be turned on during Lent Term, if you require a book that is on loan to someone else, please see if there is an e-copy available. If you need a small section of the book, you can request it from the Scan and Deliver service, run by the University Library.
If you are not resident in Cambridge, please check our extensive range of resources either by title in iDiscover or by browsing the A-Z database listing. There is a really useful e-books LibGuide if you need further support with them, or get in touch if you have any questions.
In Quarantine or Self-isolation?
The Wolfson library has services to help you through your quarantine period including book delivery and loans of jigsaw puzzles (we also have a number of online jigsaw puzzles too). Please see the guidance for students who must quarantine for more details.
The Building and Its Benefactor
The Lee Seng Tee Library (Lee Library) was opened in 1994, a gift from Mr Lee Seng Tee of Singapore, a major benefactor of the College. It was designed by architects Brewer, Smith and Brewer, and particular objects of interest on each floor include:
- On the ground floor foyer a scale model of the armillary sphere on the roof of the Peking Observatory
- In the basement a bookbinder's press with a distinctive triskelion lever, in use at a Cambridge bookbindery until 1982
- On the first floor, a bust of Tan Sri Dr Lee Kong Chian, father of the benefactor.
The Sir David Williams Room (SDWR) is a study space on the ground floor of the Library named in honour of the College's former President, the late Sir David Williams (Wolfson President, 1980-1993).
The Gordon Johnson Room (GJR), opposite the SDWR on the ground floor of the Library, houses the College's computers on the University MCS network. Dr Johnson was Wolfson President from 1993-2010.
Over the years, donations have helped the Library acquire essential books and journals to support our students' education. You can join our community of supporters by making a gift to the Library through our Annual Giving Campaign - on the donation form, please choose 'Other' and specify 'Library'. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with our Development Office.
