The Tate Library
The Tate Library is the main library space in the College and provides an inspiring environment in which to study. There are over 50 study desks available, spread across the ground floor and the gallery. There is Wi‑Fi throughout and power at most single desks. Monitors and other equipment are also available.
The reading room provides access to the Library’s modern collection, which is focused on supporting taught courses. Alongside the modern lending collectionsin the Tate, the Library houses several other specialist holdings in other parts of the College. These include a significant collection on the history of Protestant Dissent (particularly Unitarianism), antiquarian material (including a small number of incunables), and the Carpenter Library of Comparative Religion. The Archive also holds a fascinating array of documents dating from the foundation of the College in 1786 to the present day.
Much of what you see in the Tate today is original to when the Library opened in 1893 as part of the College's new building. The wooden shelves, desks, tables, and chairs on the ground floor were bought specifically for this space and were in place when the College opened on Mansfield Road. Although a gallery was always intended for the Library, it wasn't built until 2011 thanks to a generous donation. The gallery adds a beautiful, light‑filled space with modern individual desks. The numerous sets of stained glass throughout the Library contribute to the atmosphere, and reflect the College’s intellectual and cultural history.
If you have any questions about using the Library or accessing the collections, please ask Kate or Sophie (library@hmc.ox.ac.uk).
