The New Library Magdalene College Cambridge

Visiting and Supporting the Library

Access to the New Library

The New Library at Magdalene is a dedicated study space for students and operates a restricted access policy to maintain a quiet environment. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Library is closed to visitors during term time and at evenings and weekends.

Due to limited staff availability, non-College members cannot visit on a drop-in basis, and group tours are not offered. However, small guided tours (maximum four people per request) are available when staff can accommodate them. To register your interest, please email new-library-access@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Given the high level of interest, you may receive an automated response if tours are not currently available. No visits should be arranged or promoted without prior confirmation.

Alumni Visits

The College recognises that alumni may wish to visit the New Library, and visits are welcomed within the following guidelines:

Out of Term (July – September, December – mid-January)

  • Alumni can book visits Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
  • Visits must be arranged at least two working days in advance.
  • Family members may accompany alumni, but the Library remains a quiet study space.
  • Alumni should not bring non-family guests, as third parties can request visits separately via new-library-access@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Term Time (Michaelmas and Lent Terms: October – November, mid-January – March)

  • Visits are available Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, subject to staff availability.
  • Visits must be accompanied, and no group bookings are permitted.
  • A maximum of two people may visit at a time.

Easter Term (April – June)

  • The New Library is closed to all non-resident members from April to June, when students are preparing for and sitting examinations.

Booking a Visit

To arrange an alumni visit, please email alumni@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Members of the public interested in visiting should contact new-library-access@magd.cam.ac.uk.

Supporting the New Library

The Magdalene Family Book Fund

The Magdalene Family Book Fund helps expand and enhance the New Library’s collection, ensuring students have access to high-quality academic resources.

A donation of £50 supports the purchase of books, and donors receive a dedicated bookplate acknowledging their contribution.

Find out more and make a donation to the Magdalene Family Book Fund.

Donations to the Library

The College Library has a long tradition of benefitting from book donations. Those wishing to donate publications should contact the Library in advance and, if possible, provide a list of books for review against current holdings.

As the primary purpose of the Library is to support undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses, donations must align with its academic focus.

All donated books become the property of the College. Items that are not retained may be offered to other libraries, sold, or otherwise repurposed, with proceeds used for the Library’s benefit.

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