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The Old Library
Built in 1857 as the Society's original debating chamber, the Oxford Union's Old Library is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and a striking example of Victorian architecture. The murals adorning its walls were painted by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood including William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and retain the stunning vibrancy typical of Pre-Raphaelite art.
Extra Study Areas
In addition to the Old Library, we are pleased to offer the Extra Study Areas as spaces for our members to read and study.
The Library and Archives online
For more information on the Library and our Archives, including articles on Union history, our digitised collections, and high-resolution images of the Library and its murals, please visit our dedicated website.
oxfordunionlibrary.orgLibrary Information
Opening Hours
Term time
Monday–Friday · 09:30–19:00
Saturdays · 11:00–17:00
Vacation
Monday–Friday · 09:30–17:00
Dates of term can be found here.
Borrowing
All members of the Oxford Union Society may borrow from the Library. Loans are for two weeks at a time during term time and for the duration of any vacation period. Members may borrow up to 10 books at a time.
Vacation borrowing starts on the Monday of 7th week in each term. Items borrowed for the vacation are due back in 1st week of the following term. Members may borrow up to 10 books for the vacation.
Researchers from outside the University of Oxford may visit the reading rooms for reference only, if we have resources which are unavailable elsewhere.
Renew books on SOLOFacilities
Wifi
Printing, scanning, and photocopying: 5p per b&w sheet, 25p for colour. Documents for printing should be emailed to library@oxford-union.org
A selection of IT equipment is available to borrow, including chargers, cables and adapters.
Non-Members Visiting the Old Library
We welcome non-member visitors to the Old Library.
For small groups of up to 5 there is no need to book ahead. For larger groups and tour groups, please email library@oxford-union.org with proposed visitor numbers, date, and time.
There is a charge of £8 per person, increasing to £10 per person should you also wish to view the debate chamber as part of your visit (subject to availability). State school groups and prospective members are not charged.
For more information, including bespoke tours, please email: library@oxford-union.org or call 01865 951073
For questions pertaining to the Union’s records and archives, please contact: library@oxford-union.org
Accessibility Support
The Library Team aim to create an inclusive environment for all our members, especially those with particular accessibility needs. If you require extra support from us, please speak to a member of the Library Team, email our Librarian-in-Charge, or call us on +44 (0) 1865 951073, and we will be happy to discuss what we can offer.
We currently offer a variety of services and equipment:
Services
Extended loans if requested. Proxy borrowing: if you are not able to access the library in person, you can send someone to borrow on your behalf. Book retrieval service: staff will happily fetch a book that you may not be able to access. Returns accepted by post. Renewal requests by phone and email. Staff-mediated printing, scanning, and photocopying service. A well-trained and professional Library Team who undergo regular refresher accessibility training. Reserved seating if required for accessibility.
Equipment
Height-adjustable desks and chairs. Noise-cancelling headphones. Book rests. Magnifiers. Coloured acetate overlays. Ergonomic keyboard and mouse.
Extra Study Areas
Beyond the Old Library, members are welcome to work in any of the Society's other rooms when they are not in use for events.
The Goodman Library
The Gladstone Room
The Macmillan Room
The Poetry Room
The TV Room
