A guide to Cambridge University’s largest and smallest libraries

It’s the age-old Easter term problem. As lectures and seminars end, and supos become somewhat of a special occasion, the many libraries across Cambridge get full. As in, very full. As in, you literally can’t find a seat unless you get there at 9am level full.

If you too have been unfortunate enough to experience this, we’re here to help!

No more will finding a library seat be a desperate game of vibes and chance, but a numbers game – just follow the data, right?

So, using Freedom of Information data from 2024, we can definitively tell you which are the largest and smallest libraries across the university (excluding college libraries) based on how many seats or desks they have, meaning you will know exactly where to go, and not to go, to have the best chance of securing yourself, and your friends, a seat.

Cambridge’s largest libraries

The University Library

To absolutely no one’s surprise, we can confirm that the University Library is the university’s largest library. Crazy, right?

The UL is absolutely massive, with over 800 study spaces across the Library. The Main Reading Room alone has 192 seats!

So, if you’re ever in need, and let’s face it, it’s Easter term so you likely will be, there will probably be a seat somewhere in the UL.

As a bonus, the library stays open until 9:45pm Monday-Friday for Easter term.

The UL…the feature of many Easter term bereals

The Squire Library

The Squire Law Library, or as my friends like to call it, ‘the squirrel’, is massive. If you ever want to cosplay your corporate future, this is the place to do it!

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This is most definitely the most intense (and most STEM) library on Sidge, but a pretty good place to find a seat, as there are 430 of them.

Although, the first floor is reserved for Law students during Easter Term.

The Law Library is another late opener, staying open until 8:45pm Monday-Friday.

West Hub

I’m not sure if this is *technically* a library, but it’s definitely a study space, and it does have a library in it, so I’m going to say it counts.

A rare Hill College win, meeting your central college friends at West Hub is probably one of the few times you will ever be nearer to something than them. If you haven’t been, it’s definitely worth the trip from town!

There are 344 desks in this library, so plenty of space for some last-minute panic cramming. Not to mention the West Hub canteen serves amazing food – it’s worth the trip for that alone.

Again, West Hub stays open until 9pm, although the Library is only staffed until 5pm.

The Marshall Library

The next largest library on Sidge after the Squire, the Marshall boasts 185 study spaces across two floors – plenty of space for you and your friends!

It also boasts long opening hours – it opens at 8:30am and stays open until 9pm (with swipe card access). It’s also one of the much-needed but unfortunately rare non-college libraries in Cambridge that actually opens on a Sunday (again with swipe card access). As we know well, you need to use all the time you can get in Easter term.

Cambridge’s smallest libraries

The Cory Library

Located right next to the Botanic Gardens, the Cory Library boasts a miniscule two desks – definitely not the place to bring all your friends for a study sesh.

The library is open for members of the Department of Plant Sciences, the Botanic Gardens and people working in the Sainsbury Laboratory.

Non-department members can access the library by appointment only, from 2-5pm on Wednesdays and 9am-5pm on Thursdays.

Who wouldn’t want to be next door to the Botanic Gardens?

The Genetics Library

Another Biological Sciences library, the Genetics Library on Downing Site is slightly bigger than the Cory Library, but not by much.

It boasts 10 desks, but is only open to department members unless by appointment. Again, maybe not the ideal spot for a large group study sesh.

Department of Material Science Library

Another small STEM library (this is becoming a bit of a theme), the MSM Library boasts just 16 desks. Enough to bring some friends, but not enough to be confident of getting a seat.

Although, located in West Cambridge, it’s not too far to pop over to West Hub if you’re in a bit of a squeeze!

Architecture and History of Art Library

The smallest non-STEM library, the Architecture and History of Art library boasts 41 study spaces and is located within its faculty buildings on Scroope Terrace, near the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Museum study break anyone?

So, whatever you’re doing this Easter term, and let’s face it, the answer is probably revision, you can now go out and face your mounting workload with the knowledge of which libraries you’re most likely to actually be able to find a seat in.