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Cambridge University Library

 

We are grateful to receive returned books from all library users, and especially those who are graduating in the near future. There are several options available to you whether you are in Cambridge or elsewhere.    

Drop Boxes 

Please make sure you return books to the correct drop box; this enables staff to provide other library services.

Books returned to the drop boxes may take a short while to be removed from your account. 

These drop boxes… 

accept only… 

  • UL 

UL books 

  • Sidgwick Site box 1
  • Sidgwick Site box 2 

books from the following Sidgwick Site libraries: 

  • Casmir Lewy (Philosophy) 
  • Classics
  • Criminology
  • Divinity
  • English Faculty
  • FAMES (Asian & Middle Eastern Studies) 
  • Marshall (Economics)
  • Modern & Mediaeval Languages & Literature 
  • Pendlebury (Music)
  • Seeley (History)
  • Medical Library 
  • Moore Library 

books from any Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Libraries. 


Book returns in person 

Please check with the holding library of your book to check how your book can be returned.   

You are able to return UL books in person to the Reader Services Desk in the Entrance Hall of the University Library.  


Book returns by post 

University Library books can be returned by post to: Cambridge University Library Returns, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR 

We recommend using a tracked service. 


Book returns for recent graduates 

If you are a recent graduate, member of staff or Visiting Scholar who has now left the University and are unable to return to Cambridge, we can help with postal costs.

Recent University leavers returning books within the UK who are unable to return to Cambridge

Request a pre-paid returns label to return your books by freepost.

Return items from

  • the UL
  • Faculty and Department libraries
  • Colleges 

Recent University leavers returning books from outside the UK who are unable to return to Cambridge 

Request a refund for postage

Return items from

  • the UL
  • Faculty and Department libraries

All books posted via this route will arrive at the University Library, from where we will distribute them to their home library as soon as it is feasible to do so. Books you have returned may subsequently remain on your library account for some time after you have posted them.