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The Lowe Library

Our on-site College library is open 24 hours a day and has some 10,000 books, mostly recommended text for degree courses and supplementary reading. The library is a popular place for quiet study, especially during exam times.

The Minstrels' Gallery at the south end of the Great Hall forms part of our college library, providing more workspace for study and storage for less frequently used books. The Library and Minstrels' Gallery are also wireless areas for network access through laptops, the latter having more power sockets available.
Our Facilities
Students studying in the Lowe Library, University College

The Lowe is our College Library, open only for University College students. It is one of the larger College libraries, and is a popular study space which comprises four floors, a small computer room and Minstrels' gallery which overlooks the Great Hall. The day-to-day running of the Library is overseen by a group of paid Assistant Student Librarians, and led by the Student Librarian. 

More information about the Lowe can be found on the Gatehouse (for current Castle students only):  Lowe Library.

About the Lowe

The Lowe Memorial Library is named in honour of William Douglas Lowe (1879-1922). A tutor in Classics at the College since 1903, he became Bursar and Censor of University College in 1913. He also took a keen interest in rowing, and the development of Durham's OTC. At the outbreak of World War I he became an officer in the Durham Light Infantry, eventually commanding the 18th Battalion, DLI. He returned to Durham after the war and resumed his work, but died suddenly in 1922 at the age of 42. His collection of books formed the basis for the foundation of the College Library. 

Find out more about the University Library.