St Hugh's College Library

Oxford Clarion's "Cat map" of Oxford cats

I reckon you can learn a lot about the atmosphere in various Oxford colleges by looking at what they choose to name their cats (courtesy of @oxfordclarion.bsky.social ). We should all aspire to the energy of a Teabag, Isambard Kitten Brunel, or an Admiral Flapjack

oxfordclarion.uk/college-cats...

Dante’s “Comedy” has been influential throughout literature but have you read it? Pictured is an image from our 16th c. edition showcasing the 2nd circle of hell reserved for those who committed the sin of lust. Here, victims are subjected to a forceful, never-ending storm of wind.

(RBS JJ7 (DAN))

And the winner is 🥁…. "The Book of Dust: The Rose Field" by Philip Pullman! We will buy this and a few other high scorers from the list so keep an eye out for their arrival in the library.
🌟📖🌟

Today is the day to start voting! Pick which books you would like to see on the Popular Literature shelves. Poll closes Monday, 17th November at 9
am!

Link to vote:
tinyurl.com/mvpaau9z

Drumroll please 🥁… it’s time to reveal our Pop Lit shortlist!

It’s about that time! We are launching the Pop Lit Poll next week. Need to make a last minute request? Now’s the time. Please send suggestions via email or the Book Suggestion Form on the website. 🗳️

Happy Halloween!

Illustration from Predica dellarte del bene morire by Girolamo Savonarola (RBS HH6 SAV 6)

Learn more about mythical creatures and their attributes in our exhibition titled “St Hugh’s Library of Curiosities” on display until the end of term.

This beast is said to come from Ethiopia and India, and is not to be confused with the lion-like creature we often think of from Egyptian mythology. Topsell notes that “the sphynges are more meeke and gentle” creatures and carry their food in pockets found within their cheeks.

According to “The History of Four-Footed Beasts and Serpents” by Edward Topsell, “the Sphinx or sphinga is of the kinde of apes, hauing his body rough like Apes.”

Introducing our new part-time library team member Flapjack. She might have some difficulties retrieving your book requests since she lacks opposable thumbs. She’s trying her best though. 🐾

Take a step back in time to discover the histories of alchemy, death, language, and fantastical beasts in this term’s new exhibition titled “St Hugh’s Library of Curiosities”, on display until Hilary 2026.

Image from “The History of Great Britaine”, RBS KK5 (SPE)

October is #BlackHistoryMonth, a time of year when we celebrate the history and important contributions made by Black people. In honour of this year’s theme Pride in Our Roots, here are our recommendations for books on Black history.

BOTD Joan Harrison, alumna, contributor to Hitchcock film scripts and 1941 two-time Oscar nominee. (Alumni 791.43 LAN)

We hope you’ve found our wellbeing display helpful. Any feedback would be gratefully received. The team have enjoyed seeing your creations.

Vacation loans are now active. This means you can borrow from us and return on 13 October!

Illustration from "Iconologia, or, Moral emblems" by Caesar Ripa, 1613 (RBS CC21 (RIP))

The end of term is quickly approaching! Have you lost anything around College? Check the lost property box by the Library Office. Items left after this will be kept for one year.

Yesterday, it was #worldoceansday, and to celebrate we would like to highlight one of our #rarebooks!

These beautiful illustrations are from “A History of the British Sea-Anemones and Corals” by Philip Henry Gose, F.R.S. (RBS N114 (GOS)).

🪸

Librarians when they find food in the library...

❌🥣

Happy #Pride Month! Celebrate the beauty and multiplicity of the queer experience by checking out one of the books on our Pride display. Explore diverse histories, join in queer joy, and learn from powerful personal stories.

💛💚🩷🩵💜❤️

And with a puff of white smoke 💨, the next Pop(e) Fiction book has been decided!

The winner is “Conclave” by Robert Harris. We will buy this and a few other high scorers. Keep an eye out for their arrival in the Library.

Beautiful snapshots from the Principals exhibition currently on display in the library. The exhibition runs throughout the summer so make sure to take a stroll over and have a look for yourself!

It's exam season and boy are we all feeling it. Stress is high and sleep patterns are all over the place. Remember that the library has resources to help support you from guides on study skills to books on wellbeing.

For a helpful list on what we offer, see here:
bit.ly/3Sla1Zn

#wellbeingwednesday

Today is the day to start voting! Pick which books you would like to see on the Popular Literature shelves. Poll closes Monday June 2nd at 9am!

Link to vote:
vote.easypolls.net/683038ccf29c...

It’s about that time! We’re launching the Pop Lit Poll next week and it’s time to reveal the shortlist…

✨📖✨

Revision notes out of control? An essay you’re particularly proud of? We offer a binding service in the Library. Come and enquire at the office.

They are practically twins!

Woodcut image of a cat from the printed book “The historie of foure-footed beastes” by Edward Topsell, 1607 (RBS FF2(Top) (1))
#rarebooks #library #cat

Library books overdue? Take a page out of Flapjack's book and come visit us at the library! We are available in person or via email to help you the best we can.

Already thinking about what to do after your degree? Did you know we have a small Careers section? There are books to help you prepare for interviews and search for the latest jobs more effectively.

Is there anything you’d like to read over the summer? In 5th week we will be running the Popular Literature Poll. We are always open to your suggestions. Please send them to us now via email or the Book Suggestion Form on the website.

www.st-hughs.ox.ac.uk/current-stud...