Spacefinder is a handy tool to locate study areas across Cambridge University Libraries. Search or browse by map, name or characteristics including atmosphere, noise levels or facilities.
Detailed access guides for the University Library (West Road Building), the Betty & Gordon Moore Library and most faculty and departmental libraries are available via the University of Cambridge AccessAble site.
Guides are also available for 16 Cambridge colleges, covering their libraries.
AccessAble guides are revised regularly. However, if you spot something amiss, please click the "Something changed" button or contact the Libraries Accessibility Service.
Cambridge libraries provide a wide variety of study spaces catering to different tastes as well as subject disciplines.
There are over 100 libraries in the Cambridge library network (you'll probably only use a few of them), occupying very different styles and ages of buildings. They present different accessibility challenges. For example, there may be narrow spaces between shelves or books shelved over two metres high in some libraries, so some users may require assistance. Conversely, many libraries provide different seating (e.g. adjustable chairs) and desk (e.g. standing) options to cater to different needs and preferences, and lifts may be available to improve access.
When you are away from Cambridge you may find our information on accessing libraries outside Cambridge useful.
Below are some pointers to information about study spaces and physical access. As information may go out of date easily, if you have questions about access to library buildings and facilities please contact the relevant library using the contact information in the Cambridge Libraries Directory before you visit.
The University Library website provides information about access to the University Library building as well as services for disabled library users. There is also a University Library AccessAble listing within the University's AccessAble site. We are happy to arrange a one-to-one tour for anyone concerned about accessing or using the University Library.
Practical information before you visit
If you would like to prepare for your visit to the UL, see our Practical information for your visit. You can also watch a video on How to get into the UL building which shows accessible routes, lockers and how to use your University card to tap in.
Private study roomsDo you need a distraction-free place to study, or somewhere you can talk with an assistant or use speech-to-text without disturbing others? The UL has three bookable private study rooms: one for registered disabled students and two for general use. You can also contact the Libraries Accessibility Service at disability@lib.cam.ac.uk to discuss your needs.
Book the Assistive Technology Room (students registered with the Disability Resource Centre only - also has a PC with Assistive Technology)
Book a Single Study Room (general use - Study Room 2 also has a PC with Assistive Technology)
Most of the toilets in the University Library have hand dryers, and some are very noisy. The dryers in the toilets on the first floor landings (near the Alpha and Beta lifts) have been switched off and replaced with paper towel dispensers.
The temperatures in the following reading rooms/study areas remain stable to within 0.5 degrees year round:
| Space | Location | Temperature (degrees celsius) |
|---|---|---|
| Aoi Reading Room | Floor 1, South | 21.6 |
| Commonwealth Room | Floor 3, South | 22.1 |
| Manuscripts Reading Room* | Floor 3, North | 21 |
| Map Room* | Floor 1, North | 19.2 |
| Rare Books Reading Room* | Floor 1, North | 20.9 |
| South Wing Study Hub Group Study Area | Floor 3, South | 23.3 |
*These rooms are only for use when consulting relevant material (i.e. manuscripts, maps or rare books).
West Four (fourth floor, access via Alpha or Beta lifts) is also climate controlled. Temperatures are less stable but are usually on the cool side.
Other study areas are not climate controlled. Spaces with north-facing windows (e.g. North Wing floors Ground to 6) tend to be cooler. The Anderson Room (Floor 1, South) and the South Wing (floors 2 to 6) can feel warmer.
There is an additional heater in the Assistive Technology Room which can be used in that room according to the instructions. This room can be booked by students registered with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre.
For your comfort, blankets can be borrowed from the Main Reading Room.
Faculty and departmental libraries are generally located within the building that houses other facilities such as lecture theatres, teaching rooms, labs etc. Faculty and department buildings are listed on the University of Cambridge's AccessAble site, and in most cases library information is included. Search the University of Cambridge section of AccessAble for your department or faculty to find out how accessible your library is.
Access information for the 31 Cambridge colleges is available from the Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre. Library information is included.
In addition, detailed access guides are now available for 16 Cambridge colleges via the University of Cambridge AccessAble site.
Some libraries in the Collegiate University house special collections including rare books and manuscripts. These materials are often kept in separate spaces. Rules or processes for consulting the materials may differ from other parts of the libraries, and there may be more restrictions in place in order to safeguard the materials.
Search the majority of archives in Cambridge using ArchiveSearch.
If you need any reasonable adjustments when consulting special collections materials or spaces, please contact the Libraries Accessibility Service via disability@lib.cam.ac.uk. We will consult specialist staff to find out what is possible.
SU LoungeThe SU (Student Union) Lounge offers a wheelchair-accessible, relaxed study space, in the heart of the city.
The space is open to members of the University Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm in and out of term time.
The space offers:
Attractive views out of the window
Two height-adjustable desks and a range of adjustable chairs
Food and drink allowed (a microwave and vending machine are available)
Natural daylight
Plug sockets and free wifi
Gender neutral and accessible toilets
Third floor, University Centre, The University Centre, Granta Place, Cambridge, CB2 1RU (get directions to the University Centre)
For more information email enquiries@cambridgesu.co.uk
Most Cambridge college libraries offer extended opening hours including Sundays. Some offer 24-hour access. You may only use your own college library (some colleges make exceptions to consult specific material not held elsewhere but not for general use of study spaces).
The University Library and the faculty and department libraries do not offer Sunday or 24-hour access.
Cambridge University students can apply for Reference access (i.e. no borrowing) at Anglia Ruskin University Library (Cambridge site) on East Road, near Parkers' Piece. The library offers extended opening hours, including some 24-hour access during term time.
At busy times priority may be given to Anglia Ruskin students.
Apply for Reference access to Anglia Ruskin University Library (under 'Type of membership' select Reference. Allow two weeks to process)
Some libraries offer height-adjustable desks. In the UL there are eight in the North Reading Room, one in the Assistive Technology Room and a manually-operated desk in the Group Study Room.
Other available equipment varies from library to library but may include:
Coloured overlays
Coloured paper
Wrist rests
Laptop stands
Ear defenders
See a complete list of items in the University Library. Please contact the Libraries Accessibility Service at disability@lib.cam.ac.uk to suggest equipment that you would find helpful.
SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme which allows full-time undergraduate students to register for year-round access to other university libraries. You can register on the SCONUL website. Unfortunately taught postgraduates and part-time undergraduates are not currently covered by this scheme.
All students are eligible for the SCONUL Summer Vacation Scheme, which only applies during university summer vacation periods. You do not need to register in advance to make use of this.
Before visiting another library, make sure you check their website for opening hours and any other important information. For the Summer Vacation Scheme, you should also make sure that you're planning to visit during their vacation period, as other universities don't always align with Cambridge term dates.
The British Library is conveniently located near King's Cross Station. You can register for a free reader's card to use their Reading Rooms, or access café and exhibition spaces without registering.
Other publicly accessibly libraries in Central London include:
You will need to register with your local public library in order to borrow books and use some services, but library buildings are usually open to all and can be a useful free option for a workspace during the day. Many public libraries also offer access to wifi, printing facilities, and computers.
Find your nearest public library:
This page last updated 11 April 2025
Information about buildings, services and facilities can go out of date quickly. If you discover any incorrect information on any of the websites linked from this page, please email disability@lib.cam.ac.uk. We will contact the site owners and ask them to update their pages.