THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY LIBRARY

founded in 1823.

Background
The Oxford Union Society is a private members’ club, founded in 1823, with the goal of the advancement of education by the provision of debates and the maintenance of library and reading room facilities. This still holds true today: the Union regularly holds debates with world-leading experts, as well as speaker events ranging from A-list celebrities and international sports stars to political leaders. Of course, the library still remains at the heart of Union life and is well-used by members.

Building
Located in the centre of Oxford, the Oxford Union Society Library is part of the Grade II* listed Oxford Union Society complex. Built in 1856 and designed by Benjamin Woodward, the Library was the original debating hall for the Union. The interior is notable for a series of murals painted by prominent Pre-Raphaelite artists including William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones.

Collection
The Oxford Union Society Library has a collection of around 46,000 volumes primarily dating from the 19th century onwards. The scope of the collections roughly mirrors the subjects covered by the University of Oxford, although more generalist areas are also collected: there is a particularly good range of fiction and poetry, for example. The majority of books can be borrowed by members and the collection is updated regularly.

Contact information
Thomas Corrick, Librarian-in-Charge
The Oxford Union Society Library, Frewin Court
Oxford, OX1 3JB

tel: 07865 246782/email: librarian-in-charge@oxford-union.org; library@oxford-union.org;

Open:
During University of Oxford term: Monday-Friday 9.30am-7.00pm, Saturday 12.00-4.30pm
Outside term time: Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.00pm

The Library is open to all Oxford Union Society members. Full membership details can be found on the Union’s website https://oxford-union.org/become-a-member/
An on-site bar is open during term time.

Non-members may visit the library during open hours. There is a fee of £3 per person. A guided tour and talk is available for groups. Details are available on the website

Website
https://oxford-union.org/the-library/

Status
Registered charity number 270292

Twitter: @OxUnionLibrary

Facebook: OxfordUnionSocietyLibrary/

Instagram: @oxfordunionlibrary