University Library

University Library

All alumni are able to access the main University Library for free.

Visiting and borrowing

Alumni can visit the Library by providing their CAMCard along with photo ID. They may sign in up to four guests.

Those wanting to study and borrow in the Library will need to remotely apply for a card, through the application form. Registration cards are valid for three years, free of charge. Alumni who hold the Cambridge MA or higher degree may borrow 20 books for 8 weeks.

Appointments at the Reader Registration Office can be made on +44 (0)1223 333030, and can be booked for the following times: 09:10-12:30 and 14:10-16:30 Monday-Friday, 09:10-12:30 and 14:00-15:30 on Saturdays.

To find out more about using the UL and the application process for getting your reader’s card, please visit the University Library website

The UL online

In partnership with the UL we also offer all alumni online access to selected online journals. Information about the resources can be found on our journals and online resources webpage.

There are a number of other ways to explore the treasures of the UL online; Cambridge Digital Library hosts archives, manuscripts and rare books from the UL’s Special Collections that can be browsed from anywhere in the world.

The University Library hosts two major exhibitions a year, showcasing items from their rich collections - visit the exhibitions virtually at exhibitions.lib.cam.ac.uk.

Really Popular Book Club Logo

The Really Popular Book Club

The Really Popular Book Club is an exciting series hosted by Cambridge University Library, where everyone is invited to join their guest author to discuss a really popular book, one that we all know and love.

How to become a member

Each of the club meetings is completely free to join, and is open to everyone including alumni.

To attend one of the club meetings, simply follow the registration details provided on the event page. You will then receive an email confirmation containing a joining link.

You will need to register for each club meeting you want to attend. Keep an eye out on our What’s On page for all scheduled club meetings.

Detail from the Office of Scholarly Communication's logo

Share your PhD research with the world!

Cambridge is offering to support the digitisation of PhD theses for alumni who are prepared to make their PhD freely available on the university’s repository, Apollo. Read more