Our Library Spaces
Sharp Library
Our modern library collection and study space.
Open Monday to Wednesday, 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm.
Barker Reading Room
Our search room for rare books and special collections.
Open Thursday and Friday by appointment. Please email library@durhamcathedral.co.uk
Upcoming changes to opening times
- Week commencing 14th October - the Library will close whilst we install our new Museum exhibition.
- Week commencing 28th October - the Library will close due to staff availability.
- The Library closes for Christmas at the end of Wednesday 18th December and reopens on Monday 6th January.
The Sharp Library
The Sharp Library is our modern lending library and study space. Stay, study, read, browse, and borrow here.
- Durham University students and staff can use the library and borrow from us with a Campus Card.
- There are only a small number of study spaces which are available on a first come, first served basis, so arrive early to guarantee a seat.
- Wifi is available in this space.
Anyone can join us to use the library and borrow from us by joining as a Cathedral Library Reader.
The library may need to close at short notice due to staffing availability. If you are travelling to reach us, you may want to email library@durhamcathedral.co.uk to confirm we'll be open.
The Sharp Library is located in the cathedral's museum and has step-free access. Read more about accessibility in the museum spaces below.
The Barker Reading Room
The Barker Reading Room is where research appointments for researchers using our rare books and special collections take place.
Contact us by email to book an appointment or make an enquiry: library@durhamcathedral.co.uk
- Please give at least one week's notice to arrange an appointment
- There is very limited capacity in the Barker Reading Room, so we may not be able to meet all requests at busy times
- The Barker Reading Room is located in the Cathedral Museum and has step-free access.
Search the Catalogue
Accessing archives and medieval manuscripts
Our medieval manuscripts, incunables (books printed before 1500) and our archives are kept a stone's throw from the cathedral at Palace Green Library, part of Durham University's Archives and Special Collections.
Appointments to view items from these collections can be arranged by email at pg.library@durham.ac.uk or by enquiry form here