St Chad’s has the largest College library in Durham, with multiple study rooms located in Main College. The libraries are managed by our College Library and a team of Student Librarians who are located in the Reserve Library.
Opening Hours
| Library | Opening Times | Location and Stock |
| Bettenson Room | 24/7 | For study only |
| Brewis Library | 24/7 | Ground floor, Arts and Literature, General Fiction (700-899) |
| Fenton Library 1 | 24/7 | Top floor, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Sciences, General Reference, Wellbeing, Careers (000-199, 300-399) |
| Fenton Library 2 | 24/7 | Top floor, Science and Technology (500-699) |
| Trounson Library | 24/7 | Top floor, Languages (400-499) |
| Wetherall Library | 24/7 | First floor, Theology (200-269, 280-299) |
| Williams Library | 24/7 | Ground floor, Geography and History, Church History (270-279, 900-999) |
| Reserve Library | Monday-Friday: 10 am - 2 pm Saturday: 10 pm - 1 pm Sunday: 1pm - 5 pm | First floor, Reading List Stock, Liturgy, Local Interest (000-999) & College Archives. Staffed when open. |
How to borrow and return books from our libraries
The Brewis, Williams, Wetherall, Fenton, and Trounson Libraries all operate an honour system:
- Fill in a paper slip from the check-out boxes in the library rooms, file it in the box according to surname of author or editor.
- To return books please leave them in the ‘Returned Books’ boxes/shelf in the appropriate room.
Reserve Library:
- These books need to be checked out online by College Library staff using your campus card.
- Books should be returned during opening hours where possible. When the library is closed books should be left in the plastic crate outside the Reserve Library door.
Searching the catalogue
All library stock is listed on the the Durham University Library catalogue which is available to search here.
Requesting new stock
We welcome suggestions for new stock from students and the wider College community. We usually purchase according to the following guidelines:
- Books on undergraduate reading lists
- Items costing less than £100
- Books that will benefit several individuals
- Items relevant to the College’s history and heritage
To suggest an item for purchase, please complete the form here.
College Librarian
Jenny Parker, BA, MA (Dunelm), PGDip (Leeds), PGDip (Ncl Poly)
College Librarian
The Librarian manages the library, its special collections, and the team of student librarians. She is available to help students and staff with their research needs—both in and beyond the College. The College has a policy of ordering all items on undergraduate reading lists and to duplicate the most-popular items held on short loan in the University’s Bill Bryson Library. Students and staff are always encouraged to suggest acquisitions for the library.The Librarian has particular expertise in History and Archaeology and is more than happy to help students in those disciplines.
There is a team of student librarians who work throughout the week. They help to maintain the library stock and to keep the Reserve Library open when the College Librarian is not available. Library staff can be contacted by email to chads.library@durham.ac.uk.