PALACE GREEN LIBRARY

The Palace Green Library is located at the heart of Durham city and houses Durham University’s outstanding collections. It is also home to two free galleries which help to represent the story of Durham. You can visit the library to use the special collections and archives for research. The library owns more than 70,000 books that were printed before 1850, including 100+ Medieval manuscripts, 30,000+ maps, 300 incunables, and around 100,000 photographs.  

Palace Green Library is located adjacent to Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, and it was once the city’s market square. 

It used to be the central library of Durham University for 150 years. After that, a new library building was constructed, and The Palace Green Library was turned into a repository for the University's archives and houses a collection of historical books. 

The Palace Green Library has preserved over 70,000 historical books printed before 1850 (including 16th-century books), 100,000 photographs, and 30,000 maps. 

The general public can easily access the library. Along with a library, there is also space for temporary exhibitions and two small permanent exhibitions located on the first floor. 

Originally the library was founded by Bishop John Cosin in the 17th century, and it was the first public lending library in the Northern part of England. Along with the exchequer building from the 15th century, both buildings became Durham University’s library system in 1850. 

Location - Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RN, United Kingdom

Timings – Monday to Friday 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM, Saturday & Sunday closed

Entry Fees (if Applicable) - Free

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Highlights

• Check out the special exhibition showcasing the Roman and rich prehistoric archaeology at the museum of archaeology in the Dennyson Stoddart gallery, which is located on the ground floor of Palace Green Library.
• Explore the DLI collections gallery, which tells the story of Durham's light infantry regiment and also showcases some of the most important historical events.
• Visit the world heritage site where you can learn about the heritage, including information regarding ‘what it means to be a UNESCO’s world heritage site’ and what is there to do and see on the Peninsula. 
• Check out the collection of more than 70,000 books that were printed before 1850.