Somerville College Library

Somerville College Library is a Grade II-listed building on Woodstock Road holding over 120,000 items across multiple floors, with research materials and specialized collections for students. The facility includes study spaces, computers, printers, and scanners alongside approximately 95,000 books on open shelves.

The library was founded in 1903 and opened in 1904 by John Morley, designed as an academic resource for the expanding college. During World War I, the building served as a hospital ward before returning to its original purpose after the conflict.

The library holds personal collections from philosophers and mathematicians who shaped academic thought in the 1800s. These works remain visible reminders of how women and men contributed to learning and continue to inspire current students.

Visitors can use different study environments, from quiet corners to shared work areas with modern equipment. It helps to check opening times in advance and familiarize yourself with the layout so you can locate the books and resources you need.

The collection includes correspondence from Ada Lovelace, a pioneer of computer programming, and handwritten notes from Mary Somerville, an influential mathematician. The library also holds a copy of Shakespeare's Folio from the personal collection of actor David Garrick.

Part of: University of Oxford

Website: http://some.ox.ac.uk/library-it

GPS coordinates: 51.75939,-1.26308

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:07