Whether it鈥檚 through working at the University or through studying here, we want you to tell us what Hartley Library meant 鈥� or still means 鈥� to you.听
It鈥檚 a building that holds a lot of history, some told, some buried deep within its walls. In recognition of this, and ahead of the exhibition Hartley Library: Looking Back, Looking Forward exhibition later this year, we want to hear from you.听
Over a century of history听
The Hartley Library, which takes its name from its Victorian benefactor Henry Robinson Hartley, can trace its presence at the heart of Highfield campus back to 1914. The building as we know it now is an accumulation of numerous expansions since then, with the iconic entrance designed in part by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, famous for the red telephone box and Battersea Power Station.听
It is now an internationally significant research library, home to 520,000 physical stock items, unique archives and special collections, as well as over 2,000 study spaces and extensive digital collections.听
As well as serving our current students, it鈥檚 open to University staff, alumni and our wider civic communities throughout the year.听
How to share your Hartley history听
Did you meet your partner or best friend while scanning the shelves? Perhaps an off-chance discovery in one of our collections paved for the way for a lifelong career?听
Here鈥檚 how you can share your stories:听
Pick up a postcard听
You can pick up a postcard from Hartley Library or 1 Guildhall Square receptions and post it in the post box on site.听
All forms and postcards need to be submitted or returned by 30 September 2025.听
If you鈥檙e based at another campus, you can .
Visit the exhibition听
Hartley Library: Looking Back, Looking Forward will take place in the Level 4 Gallery at Hartley Library from 10 November 2025 to 30 January 2026.听