Welcome to the English Faculty Library

During term we're open weekdays from 9:30am to 7pm, and Saturdays from 11am to 5pm.

You’re automatically registered and can borrow up to 12 books.

Most books are issued for four weeks and will auto-renew. If another user requests the book, you will receive a recall email. Please return requested items promptly. 

We don't charge fines.

Each item in our collection falls into one of three categories:

• Normal loan, the majority of our books, which will renew automatically until you leave the University, unless someone else requests them
• Short loan, including all DVDs, which can be borrowed for 4 days and can't be renewed
• Reference books, which can only be used in the library.

If you're new to Cambridge, the Library Essentials guide provides essential information about Cambridge University Libraries. Spacefinder is a useful tool for finding great study spaces in Cambridge.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Who can I ask if I need help?

The library staff! We are always very happy to help. You can come and have a chat, phone us on 01223 335077, or email us.

Where are the toilets?

There are accessible and gender neutral toilets on the ground floor and first floor in the library (turn right at the entrance and head to the far wall), and others in the basement in the Faculty building.

What are the rules?

We don't have many, remember it's a library, respect those around you and work quietly. Please don't vandalise the books (e.g. marking the text in pencil).

Can I eat and drink in the library?

Drinks with lids are permitted. If you have a health condition or disability that requires you to eat at regular intervals, you should feel free to do so in the library; however, we would ask respectfully that you go to the social space outside the library if you intend to eat something which might disturb other library users.

How do I borrow a book?

Books should be checked out on the library self service machine, see our How to video. (If you are using the Click & Collect service then the books are already issued on your account).

How many books do I have on loan?

You can view your library account online. Login with your barcode (on the back of your blue card, it's 5 characters starting with 'V') and surname, or using your Raven password. Your account will show you all the books you've borrowed across all the libraries you've joined.

What can I borrow and for how long?

Every library sets their own rules - but you can double check by looking at the 'Libraries' tab of your library account. At the EFL you can borrow 12 items, any combination of books or DVDs.

How do I renew books?

If you're a student or a member of staff, then most books will automatically renew a few days before they're due back. Short Loan books, DVDs and CDs are exceptions to this. If you're not a student or staff, then check your library account. Go to the 'Loans' tab, and click any of the titles. If the renewal is successful, the due date of the book will change. 

What if I can’t find the book I need?

If the book is definitely not on loan to someone else, then the first thing to do is to check whether it's accidentally been pushed behind other books. Then talk to the library staff at the desk (or contact us by email). We'll be happy to have a look for it ourselves and, if it still can't be found, we can tell you about other ways to get hold of it; is it available at another library, is an eBook available, can document delivery or inter-library loans supply a copy or can we buy a copy.

Will you buy a book I need for my studies?

Yes, please use this form on the website.

Get in touch:

Email us: english@lib.cam.ac.uk

Call us: +44 (0)1223 335077

Write to us: 9 West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DP

Social media: follow us on Twitter and Instagram @eflcam 

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