Main Library Review

The Main Library is situated at the heart of the Bloomsbury campus, set back from the Main Quad, and neatly divided up inside the Wilkins Building. The long dark corridors and the mile-long wooden shelves of books are housed in part of our university’s oldest building; the aisles offering a sense of our history, while the students on campus point to our future.

I entered this building through what felt like a secret passageway, to the left of the grand portico staircase. Walking up the spiral staircase towards the library, I felt my eyes widen in awe as the space began to open up. This exploration was like going through my Granny’s garage in search of treasures. Around each corner, another detail, another symbol of architectural genius. This library felt considerably less stylised than other parts of the university, upholding its neo-classical origins, the internal characteristics of the building appearing symmetrical, tall, and uncluttered.

Unsure about navigating the library, I was greeted by an incredibly friendly member of staff who humoured my poor attempt to tap my ID card to enter the space. They pointed me in the way of a site map, the accessible amenities, and wished me a good day. Once left to wander, I found that the space was not only clearly sign-posted and accessible via lifts and stairs to all levels, but also overspilling with its offerings - I couldn’t believe quite how many subjects this library alone covered.

But like many of UCL’s libraries, this space served many a purpose – as I strolled, I came upon door after door of opportunity. Desks, shelves, and staff were available throughout the building to support with photocopying requests, ‘click and collect’, as well as laptop and equipment loans.

Of the study spaces, there were two that particularly stood out to me. In one of the first spaces I entered, a stunning balcony lined the upper part of the room. This simplistic structure adorned the room; it created little reading coves lined with literature underneath, while offering a bountiful terrace of extensive knowledge for those still exploring. While the rooms were grand, they had somehow generated quite intimate spaces within. Long communal weighty wooden desks stretched across the room, with desk lamps and power sockets dotted along their surface. The second study space was everything that so many of us (probably) dreamt of before arriving at UCL. The Donaldson Reading Room, once the university’s predominant library, had a grandiose barrelled ceiling, with a striking repeat-motif capturing the life of the space. This charming environment had been so magnificently preserved, a fine distraction to any trying assignment.

While I was very taken by the study spaces, I rather enjoyed spinning on the spot under the domed roof, for moments feeling like I was dancing on a piece of Wedgewood crockery.

When I visit UCL’s libraries, I consider the longevity of my visit. For instance, if I had commuted to campus for a day of study, how else could my needs be met? Fear not, the Wilkins Building and the Main Quad has everything covered – from cafes, social spaces, and quiet study rooms, to open green spaces, park benches, and plenty of student support services close-by. This space is normally open from 08:30 – 00:00 (week day term-times), so if you’re a morning person or a night owl, there is a place for you to go!