Those living in the local community are welcome to use the Main University Library. You can become a member of the Library and borrow books, or just visit to consult material. Within the Library, there is the option to study in silent areas or enjoy the bustling social spaces.
The Main Library is the largest of the University’s libraries and can be found on North Street. The Library houses a cafe, and help is available from the Library service desk and IT service desk.
The Special Collections division of the University Library has a strong focus on theology, classics and history, as well as English and Scottish literature. Material can be accessed easily and viewed in the Napier Reading Room within the beautifully renovated Martyrs Kirk Research Library. More information about the Main Library and the Special Collections division can be found on the Library website.
Library opening times
Find out about the opening times for all University libraries on the Library website.
Membership
The University offers retired staff the option to maintain a University ID card – which provides University membership and continued use of an email account – for six years after retirement begins. This account may then be renewed for a further six years.
Students studying at the University as part of a study abroad programme are able to use their St Andrews ID cards to request, recall and borrow items from the Library.
A reciprocal borrowing agreement exists between the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews libraries. Students or staff from Abertay or Dundee should bring ID cards to the Main Library service desk to join as a member.
Graduates and past students from St Andrews may request membership of the University Library. The current cost of graduate membership can be found on the University Library membership page.
Those who live locally in St Andrews can also request membership of the Library. In order to join the University Library, individuals should visit the Main Library, providing a piece of photographic ID. The cost of joining the Library as a member of the public can be found on the University Library membership page.
The University Library also welcomes Friends of the Library to become members; Friends of the Library pay a discounted rate for membership. More information on library membership for Friends of the Library can be found on the University Library membership page. For more information about becoming a Friend of the St Andrews University Library, please take a look at the Library website.
Some pupils from local schools are eligible to join the Library. For more information on how pupils may gain access, please look at the University Library membership page.