Bill Bryson Library • Durham University

Despite the fact that most students have no idea who Bill Bryson is, they still spend many of their waking hours nestled deep within his papery bowels. During exam periods, it is nigh impossible to find seats and you will observe students engaging in passive-aggressive bartering of study spaces. If you are lucky (and arrive before 8:30 am) you may be able to snatch a seat on the ground floor and watch the sun rise through magnificent floor to ceiling windows. However, be prepared: the price early risers pay comes in the form of loud vacuum cleaners, echoing around the atrium. As such, headphones are advised during this period of bleary-eyed work.

Lunch comes late at the Billy B (1300-1400) and some green first-years will topple out of their seats looking for food, thus giving up their seats! The more seasoned students will bring packed lunches and chat amiably in the soft seating areas, while keeping a steady eye on their belongings. Those who do not subscribe to either choice, are left with the cafe, a cold (due to it being right next to the door) small yet well stocked and relatively expensive shop. For £3.50 you may have a sandwich (£3.30 for takeaway), and £5.00 for a wrap or salad. Regardless of what you choose, during the little summer Durham has, it is often pleasant to lounge outside the library entrance on the grassy slopes for the fresh air and sunlight.

Evening comes and most retire to dinner and their homes. Seats slowly start to vacate and by around 2000, one is able to find a seat relatively easily, provided they don't look on the fourth floor; philosophy and law students practically live there 24/7.

All in all, a very good library with good ventilation.

I was lucky enough to have been studying at Durham when Bill Bryson was chancellor, and got to meet him at a poetry awards ceremony. After I graduated my old roommates and I went on a reunion tour to the city, and we decided to stop into the newly renovated library. All the work had started in our final year of undergrad and it was wonderful to see the renovations completed. The layout inside is so much more airy and spacious with lots of light. I was also impressed with all the new technology to help students scan and save books on to their usb sticks etc. This is much more cost effective than the endless photocopy cards I used to purchase to photocopy texts for my dissertation. There is still the good old cafe at the library too for those late night study sessions in exam season, and I loved the map outside in different stone representing the British Isles. Made me very nostalgic and also excited for the future of the university.

Huge Windows, big desks with sockets. However, no canteens inside, and you must have a student card to enter.

A heaven for students who are busy with their assessments. Enormous amount of books, great environment, and staff are always eager to help.

Useful resource for durham university students, both for the wealth of books and the secluded study spaces perfect for a stress induced crying fit.

One of the best I have visited in my academic life

Great place to study and really helpful staff!

Excellent library, for all students needs. Central location on main uni campus.