Tower Tours at the University Library

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At 157 feet tall Cambridge University Library’s tower is its most recognisable feature, and can be seen for miles around. This tour of the tower, normally accessible only to Library staff, reveals some of the secrets held in its collections. The tower collections (over half a million books on 11 floors) tell the story of two centuries of popular publishing in the UK, received under the Copyright Act and since 1934 held in the tower as ‘secondary’ to the Library’s main academic collections. Victorian toys and games jostle for shelf space with colourful children’s books, Edwardian fiction in pristine dust jackets and popular periodicals. Now recognised as a treasure trove for researchers, its collections tell the story of our national life through the printed word.

Please note that the lift stops on the 15th floor. Access to the 16th floor is via a single flight of stairs. This tour may not be suitable for those uncomfortable in confined spaces or those with mobility issues.

Additional information for participants

• This tour is only suitable for members who are 18 and over
• In the event of a fire evacuation or lift failure, access up or down the tower is via 200+ steps. Therefore, this tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users.
• This tour may not be suitable for those uncomfortable in confined spaces
• Bags and large coats must be left in our Locker Room off the Entrance Hall before the tour commences
• No food or drink may be consumed at any point on the tour
• The tower is a high-security area and the Library reserves the right to search tour visitors on exit

Number of sessions: 1