The library is accessed from First Court. The main College entrance leads to First Court where the Porters, Chapel and Buttery are situated.
Next to the Buttery there is a narrow corridor which leads to Library Court and the Library entrance. There is no signage above the corridor entrance to indicate that the corridor in First Court leads to the Library, but there is a sign on the door to the Library Corridor.
The door is accessed via a ramp with uneven paving.
There is a book returns box to the right of the ramp.
The door is heavy and is not automatic.
Porters or Library staff can help you access the library.
Once you have entered the Library Corridor, turn right and the main entrance is straight ahead up one flight of stairs.
The accessible entrance is on your left which gives access to a ramp and a lift to all floors of the Library. Please contact Library staff or the Porters to use this entrance, as access will need to be added to your CamCard.
Please note that the lift is smaller than standard size and may not be suitable for larger wheelchairs or mobility scooters - please contact Library staff for more information.
If you need assistance between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, please ring the doorbell by the accessible entrance and Library staff will be happy to assist you. Alternatively you can phone the Library on 01223 334905, or contact the Porters on 01223 334900. For assistance at other times, please contact the Porters.
Accessible toilet facilities are located approximately halfway down the Library corridor, through a door to the left. There is a small sign above the main door to signpost the toilets, and a sign on the cubical door to indicate which is accessible.
Seating and low level tables are situated on the left hand side of the corridor. The right hand side of the corridor is straight and clear.
Library Layout
Floors are sequenced backwards.
Floor 3 – The ground floor of the Library containing book stacks. Accessible from within the Library by stairs or lift. The accessible entrance to the Library enters on this floor.
Books on Floor 3 have a white label on the spine.
Floor 2 – The middle floor, above Floor 3 and below Floor 1, containing bookstacks. Accessible from within the Library by stairs or lift.
Books on Floor 2 have a blue label on the spine.
Floor 1 – The main entrance, Library Office and Reading Room are on this floor. Accessible from the Library Corridor via the Main Entrance (by stairs) or lift from any floor.
Books on Floor 1 have a yellow label on the spine.
Mezzanine – The top floor of the Library, above Floor 1. The printing facilities and Group Study Room are on this floor. Accessible via stairs and lift (Please contact library@christs.cam.ac.uk or ask Library staff to enable lift access to the Mezzanine floor)
Lift/Elevator
The lift has two manual doors. The first door opens outwards and is fairly heavy. You may need assistance to open it. Some floors have a second, inner door that is a sliding gate. Both doors need to be closed for the lift to function.
Please note that the lift is smaller than standard size and may not be suitable for larger wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Please contact Library staff for more information.
Library staff need to enable lift access to the Mezzanine Floor, please contact us to arrange this.
Reading Room
The first floor reading room provides study space for library users. It is considered a quiet zone but sometimes can reach medium noise levels.
One side of the Reading Room has windows which can be opened. The Reading Room has a heating and air-conditioning system, and individual fans are available on request.
Desks
6 4-seater desks next to the windows (the windows can be opened if required)
13 2-seater desks on the opposite side of the Library
1 4-seater table, adjacent to the Library Office. This desk may sometimes be reserved for Special Collections visitors.
Seats
Adjustable chairs with wheels
Wooden chairs, which are not adjustable