Welcome and Introduction

We welcome all researchers in biblical studies. Prospective readers should agree to follow the guidelines, complete an application form, and arrange to meet the Warden on their first visit. An exploratory visit to see the library in advance can be arranged through the Reception office. Tyndale House furnishes a ready-made Christian community for friendship and support both for scholars and their families. We are very pleased to have readers join us for morning and afternoon tea and coffee which is provided at no additional cost. All are welcome to the weekly chapel services (term time) or informal prayers (vacation). There is a weekly ladies' Bible study during term time and regular community meals and events. Many lifelong friendships are formed at Tyndale House.

Many visitors come just for a few days because this is such a productive place to work. With all the necessary materials so easily available, scholars find that a day at Tyndale Library can be worth a week elsewhere.  In addition to the exhaustive book collection, the library has extensive back collections of a wide range of periodicals, and a growing collection of electronic resources.

Visitors travelling from outside Europe who are not engaged in a course of study at a UK university can apply for a visa as an Academic Visitor. Please see the UK Border Agency pages here and here. If you are engaged on a programme of study, for example a PhD, please supply the name and contact details of your course director or someone in a similar position who can verify that your visit is part of your academic program. We can then send a letter to that person saying that we are expecting you at Tyndale House.

Please be aware that accommodation at Tyndale House is extremely limited, with only 16 residential units. Our Accommodation page suggests some alternatives. Please consider these to avoid disappointment. Those applying for accommodation at Tyndale House would normally be expected to apply for a Private Rented Desk in the library as well.

Cost of Library usage

Library usage costs about £5/day, depending the hours of access and the type of desk, with significant discounts for extended visits and even greater discounts for students. In order to access the Library it is necessary to become a Tyndale House Member. Please see our Table of Charges for more information.

Tyndale House is part of a charity (UCCF) and depends upon the generosity of its supporters to provide such valuable facilities at a cost which represents a considerable subsidy. However even these subsidised costs present a challenge to some researchers. If you can help to provide additional funds to offer bursaries to enable people in this situation to come to Tyndale House please go to our Support page. At present, because of our limited funds, and the many scholars who need support, we are only able to sponsor those with pre-existing relationships with Tyndale House.

Access to the Library:

Access during normal working hours (09.00 – 17.30, Monday – Friday)

Readers who do not need to access the Library outside normal working hours are not required to provide references.

Cambridge University & Federation undergraduates and Cambridge University faculty staff may access the Library and use a Hot Desk during normal working hours free of charge.

Members of Tyndale Fellowship, Theology for All, and KLICE who have up-to-date subscriptions will be issued with two five day visitors passes on their first visit each year. This will allow them to access the Library and use a Hot Desk during normal working hours at no additional cost.

Access outside normal working hours (08.30 – 09.00 & 17.30 – 23.00, Monday – Friday and 08.30-23.00, Saturdays)

Those wishing to use the Library and other facilities of Tyndale House outside normal working hours are required to provide a reference and to make a further financial contribution to Library running costs.

Library Opening Hours and Holiday closures

Please click here to see our opening times.

Types of desks:

Hot Desks

Readers who have not rented a Private Desk have access to Hot Desks. Readers are required to clear Hot Desks on a daily basis and to return books and periodicals to the shelves. Personal possessions should not be left in the Library overnight. A fee will be charged for shelving if readers do not return the items which they have used to the correct place on the Library shelves.

Private Desks

Readers may rent desks with shelves, so that Library books, personal books and possessions may be kept there. All desks have power and access to internet and network facilities. There are dedicated computers for the library catalogue and for research software. Printing, scanning and photocopying facilities are available at a small cost. Please note that insurance cover is required for personal possessions. Additional charges for Private Desk rental are listed on our Table of charges, giving details of the generous discounts awarded to students.

Application Forms & Update of details