The heart of learning. Reimagined.
Hertford is creating a new library at the centre of college life – an inspiring space where students and academics come together to study, think and discover. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Hertford.
Why it matters
The old library no longer met the needs of today’s students. Study space was limited, facilities were outdated, and access was restricted. It didn’t have enough collaborative space for research, and the archive space fell below national standards.
Our new library
We are currently building a beautiful, modern library which is designed for how students learn now, with:
- More than double the space
- Significantly increased study areas for quiet work and collaboration
- A dedicated rare books and archives facility, meeting national standards
- Fully accessible and sustainable design
- A restored historic reading room and roof terrace overlooking Oxford
The impact
The new library will transform the Hertford experience:
- Better learning: space, light, and flexibility to support every student
- Stronger community: a shared intellectual home
- Greater access: open to all, removing physical barriers
- Enduring legacy: a building that will serve generations to come
Make your mark
This project offers a rare opportunity to leave your mark on the future of the college. Naming opportunities are available across the building.
Make a donation
Your support will help create a library worthy of Hertford’s students – today and for generations ahead. Give now to be part of it.
A message from the Principal
Hertford is undergoing a heart transplant!
Right below its historic Old Buildings, a brand new library space is being dug: a home for our precious rare archives to be stored in perfect conditions, and above them, spaces full of light for students and fellows to study.
From the outside, the old buildings will look almost identical, but inside will be transformed. There will be lifts to all levels and, behind the roof of the Old Chapel, a roof terrace looking out over Radcliffe Square.
At the end of next summer (2027), the library will open its doors and Hertford’s students and researchers will be able to spend their days working in the library in one corner of the quad, popping over to the café in another corner, and over to Hall for meals in a third corner. In the fourth corner is Chapel, the spiritual and musical heart of the college supplying moments of contemplation. Together, these create the very essence of an Oxford college: bringing people from all backgrounds together to study, eat, and talk together – and from that interdisciplinary mixing comes the magic of original thought.
Many people are taking the opportunity to leave a fitting legacy in the form of sponsoring a named chair, desk, bookcase or room in the library in memory of a teacher or family member. You can find out more about supporting the library project here.
Library Works
Read on for the latest progress report:
In the quad this week, concrete wall construction has continued, and re-bar, the steel reinforcing rods within the concrete, are being installed with shuttering and decking to enable further concrete pouring.
Under the former chapel, the remaining gravel has been removed. The slab formation has been concrete blinded in preparation for re-bar installation.
In the ‘extension’ area, it is anticipated that Oxford Archaeology will complete their excavation within the next two weeks. Concurrently, the contractors have underpinned the existing boiler room wall (pictured below). Once sufficient access has been made through the chapel excavations, they will clear any remaining gravel and break down the former chapel south wall.
As reported last week, multiple trades are represented with work on plumbing, heating, joinery, and electrics in the West Range.
On Tuesday, Beard hosted a Construction Open Doors event with tours for construction industry students and Oxford Construction Excellence members.