iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 12h

This #NationalPoetryDay, discover unpublished work by Seamus Heaney in Cambridge. Our free exhibition, Living Water, features two rare pieces by Heaney: a poem and a short story. They are not online & can only be experienced in person at the exhibition. 🔗 Plan your visit: loom.ly/64SyJug

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 17h

Welcome to Michaelmas Term at University of Cambridge Libraries! 🎓✨ Whether you've just arrived or are returning, our Termly Update has everything you need to get your academic year off to a great start. 📝📚 ➡️ Get the guide: loom.ly/-fR71X8 Photo by Alice the Camera

Distant view of Cambridge University Library Tower framed by tree branches and foliage, seen from a paved pathway on the Sidgwick Site with bicycle racks under a sunny blue sky.

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Tuija Ainonen @tainonen.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Day 2 done, and parchment completed, cut and a memento received Tomorrow follows the script part at @theul.bsky.social #Skin2Script

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Dr Liam Sims @liamsims.bsky.social · 18h

Part of @bibsoc.bsky.social's Caxton550 celebration! Caxton ephemera, annotated by Richard Farmer (d. 1797), great collector & @theul.bsky.social Librarian.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

As we bid farewell to September, let's enjoy this lovely description from an 1818 children’s book: “The days are now very sensibly shortened, and the mornings and evenings are chill, though the warmth is still considerable in the middle of the day.” Does this sound like your September?

A close-up detail of a hand-coloured woodcut illustration from an 1818 book. It depicts a woman in early 19th-century attire standing outdoors while a man kneels nearby gathering crops beneath a large leafy tree.

An open antique children’s book from 1818 showing the title page titled "Juvenile Library. A Picture of the Seasons; with Anecdotes and Remarks, on Every Month in the Year" printed in London. On the left page is a colourful vintage woodcut illustration showing straw or wheat being swept in a storm.

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Dr Liam Sims @liamsims.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Stonking sunset behind @theul.bsky.social!

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Cambridge Assistant Library Staff Forum @alsfcam.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Spectacular views from Selwyn for the lucky attendees on the library tour! #ALSF2026

A view of Cambridge including some college buildings with blue sky and trees.

A view of Cambridge with the University Library tower.

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Cambridge Collections Connections Communities @camglamresearch.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Very excited for this talk by Dr Grace Exley, Munby Fellow at @theul.bsky.social and a Natural History Humanities Postdoctoral Research Associate at @camglamresearch.bsky.social!

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Harry Spillane @harryspillane.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

OUT NOW - Selling the Word of God: The Early Commercial History of the English Bible Pictured here at Emmanuel College beneath the Tyndale window, and with the @newnhamcollege.bsky.social table and pink velvet chaise longue that enabled its writing bodleianshop.co.uk/products/sel...

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Dr. Nick Posegay @nposegay.northsky.social · 27/09/2026

This spellbook (~13th c.) is great. It's got spells for invisibility, protecting travellers, predicting pregnancy, causing love and hate, and scrying in a mirror. The magician started a spell for "gathering demons," but seems to have had second thoughts and stopped after 4 words. @theul.bsky.social

Brown, waterstained paper bifolium on a blue background next to a yellow label that reads T-S K1.132 (https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-K-00001-00132/2)

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

We are recruiting for two posts within the Open Research team, part of University of Cambridge Libraries and Archives. • one full-time post on a permanent basis • one part-time post (18.25 hours) on a fixed-term basis for 2 years Apply by 4 Oct: loom.ly/kRSdmnU #CambridgeUniversityJobs

Job advertisement graphic for the University of Cambridge Libraries and Archives featuring a person working on a laptop, with text reading "We're hiring Open Access Advisors".

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

✒️ "Written & Edited by his Wife" Join us for a research talk by Dr Grace Exley who will explore how women’s hands have shaped our impression of some of the most famous scientists of the nineteenth century. 21 Oct, 5-6.30pm Cambridge University Library Book your FREE ticket loom.ly/KpzUmgM

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Like Bilbo, our 1st edition of The Hobbit has been ‘There and Back Again’! In 89 years at the UL, it’s seen multiple class marks, locations & exhibitions. What adventure should it embark on next? Drop your Tolkien/UL puns below, ready for the eleventy-first anniversary (in 22 years!). #HobbitDay

A person in a denim jacket holds a first edition copy of The Hobbit in a green cloth cover with dark ink illustrations of mountains and a dragon

The title page of a 1937 first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, showing crossed-out library call numbers and a Cambridge University Library stamp dated October 6, 1937.

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Dr. Nick Posegay @nposegay.northsky.social · 21/09/2026

A damaged magical amulet featuring a human-like figure surrounded by Arabic incantations (ca. 11th-12th c). The figure (human, jinn, demon?) has a snake draped over its shoulders. The text is mostly nonsense sounds intended to invoke a magical effect when recited. @theul.bsky.social #medievalsky

Dark brown paper manuscript fragment, badly torn around the edges, with a large drawing of a human-like figure with a rectangular torso, conical hat, misaligned eyes, and a snake draped over its shoulders. Arabic text in black ink fills much of the empty space. The fragment sits on a blue background next to a yellow label that reads T-S Ar.51.112 (https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-AR-00051-00112/2).

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

⚠️ SERVICE UPDATE ⚠️ The open shelves on all floors of the North Wing are temporarily closed for maintenance. To access these collections, please place a request via iDiscover. We apologise for the inconvenience. 🔗 Updates: loom.ly/JAHIoXk

Exterior view of the Cambridge University Library building on a bright, sunny day, highlighting its tall, iconic brick tower framed by green trees against a clear blue sky.

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Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire Green Party @cambsgreenparty.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Green councillors enjoyed visiting the Living Water exhibition and joining a cross-party discussion with the Global Youth Council for Science, Law and Sustainability on the fight for clean rivers in our region. Open at Cambridge University Library until 5 Dec 2026. 🔗 www.lib.cam.ac.uk/livingwater

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Richard Fallon @richardfallon.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Another session of unfurling mystery geological charts at @theul.bsky.social. Here depicted: a panel from a von Zittel wall chart with dinosaur, a fragile painted plesiosaur by George Scharf, and the Rhine Falls by artist unknown — with delightful horse and carriage going across the bridge.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Developed as part of our Small Performances project, Baskerville Punch is a new open-source font family based on original 18th-century steel punches. Download the font & find out more: loom.ly/Ha8WsCY @cam-archaeology.bsky.social @mybcu.bsky.social @universitypress.cambridge.org

A close-up overhead shot of a person holding a beige printed booklet. The top layer features a large decorative white swirl over Latin text, while the document beneath displays detailed 18th-century English typography referencing printer John Baskerville.

Overhead view of hands working on typography design sheets spread across a wooden table. One person holds a fine black pen, touching up a large printed lowercase letter "n", while other sheets show serif letters "W", "V", and "j" with smudged ink textures.

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Domi Smithson @domismithson.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

LIVE from #OpenFest26: Lutfi Othman from @theul.bsky.social shares a delicious recipe for an Open Research cake! The key ingredients? Personal motivation + open practice + commitment to sharing and collaboration And the icing on top? Openness itself.

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Sarah Pyke @sarahpyke.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I love this card catalogue so much. Here's a short piece I wrote for @litreview.bsky.social about it (and my great-grandmother's wartime reading diary) earlier this year literaryreview.co.uk/list-of-a-li...

Bookends piece in Literary Review magazine

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#HigherEducationPostcard @hepostcard.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Here's a #HigherEducationPostcard of @theul.bsky.social - this time just focusing on the tower I blogged about this for @wonkhe.bsky.social a few years ago wonkhe.com/blogs/higher... If you like this image, I’d really appreciate a repost – it helps to spread the word!

an old monochrome picture postcard in portrait orientation showing the tower at the University of Cambridge Library, and grand sky-scraper like tower faced in brick and stone, looking like an ancient Egyptian mausoleum

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Cambridge University Press @universitypress.cambridge.org · 14/09/2026

✅ Focus on research quality ✅ Recognise diverse research outputs ✅ Promote transparency in assessment ✅ Use metrics responsibly Read more about Cambridge University Press and Cambridge University Libraries' response to the NIH 🔗 cup.org/3Vk4Qxi

A quote about research assessment reform is highlighted. It states "A reform of research assessment requires coordinated action across the research ecosystem, including publishers, institutions, funders and researchers. However, the changes will deliver benefits for both the scientific community and society at large." Quote text reads Monica Westin, Director of Open Policy Development. Monica's image is inside a Cambridge blue frame on a dark blue background.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Autumn is settling in nicely 🍂 What do you enjoy most about autumn in Cambridge? 📍 #CambridgeUniversityLibrary

A field of tall, dry yellow grass and green lawns leading to dense trees with autumn-coloured golden leaves, framed by a weeping willow on the left and the Cambridge University Library tower peeking over the canopy under a cloudy sky.

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Dr Jill Whitelock @jillwhitelock.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Evening light at @theul.bsky.social. #BlueSkyMonday

Cambridge University Library in evening sunlight against a blue sky with white clouds.

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#HigherEducationPostcard @hepostcard.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Here's a #HigherEducationPostcard of @theul.bsky.social - Cambridge University Library It'll be all Cambridge for a few weeks now because that's where the alphabet has taken me If you like this image, I’d really appreciate a repost – it helps to spread the word!

An old monochrome picture postcard showing a magnificent 1930s monumental building, in brick and stone, with a central tower and lovely high windows. Printed at the foot of the card is University Library, Cambridge

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Dr Ann Kennedy Smith @akennedysmith.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

My recent book stack in the Reading Room of Cambridge University Library. An impressive (and pristine) collection of Virago Modern Classics editions of E.H. Young's novels.

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Dr. Nick Posegay @nposegay.northsky.social · 14/09/2026

This is a marriage contract ('ketubba') from Ramla for the wedding of Sarwa bat Mevorakh and Marwan ben Toviyya, dating to 1052 CE. It was the second time the pair had married each other, but the vertical lines through the document suggest it also led to their second divorce. @theul.bsky.social

Vertical white-tan sheet of parchment with large sections torn from the right and left sides. There are about 20 lines of Hebrew text in black ink on the first two thirds of the page. The bottom third is filled with straight rectangular patterns of sewing stations, showing where this parchment was sewn into the cover of a book. The fragment sits on a blue background with a yellow label that reads T-S 16.123 (https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/view/MS-TS-00016-00123/1).

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Welcome to the new season of the Really Popular Book Club! 🗓️29 Sep: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 🗓️27 Oct: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe 🗓️24 Nov: There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak 🗓️8 Dec: Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie Join us online: loom.ly/PlR2sr0

Promotional poster for Cambridge University Library's "The Really Popular Book Club" featuring four book covers on a light purple background: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak, and Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie. Banners at the bottom read "New Season Book Club Selection."

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Dr. Nick Posegay @nposegay.northsky.social · 11/09/2026

This papyrus is one of the most important items in the Michaelides collection at @theul.bsky.social. This side is the full text of sura 69 of the Quran ('The Truth'), while the reverse has sura 64 ('The Loss'). It dates to the ~8th c. and is (I think) the 2nd longest Quranic papyrus in the world.

Yellowish-brown vertically-oriented rectangular papyrus leaf, showing 24 lines of Arabic text in grey-black ink. The papyrus fibers are frayed at the top and several holes are missing from the centre of the page. It sits on a black background next to a white label that reads Mich.Pap.D.1415.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Not just supporting research — but leading it. Explore the poster display in our Catalogue Hall showcasing research projects led by our staff. Up now till 15 Sept 2026. Keep up-to-date with our research, join the University Library Research Institute mailing list: loom.ly/nqIpNxI

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In a digital world, our card catalogues remain a much-loved feature of Cambridge University Library. These cabinets contain the records of 20th-century material kept in the tower. Searching under "Best" shows how varied our collections are – from Best Cat Stories to George Best's autobiography!

A metal card catalogue drawer pulled open, featuring a brass label frame on the front containing a handwritten paper insert that reads "BES - BIBLE".

Close-up inside a library card catalogue drawer showing a index card typed with "BEST cat stories; ed., with an introduction by M. Joseph.", publication details "London (1952)", and classmark "1952. 8. 758".

Close-up of a vintage library card catalogue drawer showing a yellowed card typed with "BEST (George)", the title "Best of both worlds.", publication details "London, 1968.", and classmark "1968. 8. 395".

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

We’re hiring: Research Support Librarian (School of Biological Sciences) As Research Support Librarian, you’ll play a leading role in delivering specialist research support services across the School of Biological Sciences (SBS). Apply by 20 September: loom.ly/SuBg8Iw

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

It's honey on toast all round, thanks to the efforts of our bees – and our resident Beekeeper, Melonie Schmierer-Lee! 🍯🐝

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CLAS Cambridge @clascam.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

As part of CLAS’s 60th anniversary, we revisit the Centre’s creation and longer history of #LatinAmericanStudies at #Cambridge. Formally created on 11 June 1966, CLAS built on earlier teaching and research at the University. Research by Dr Rafael Shimabukuro, CLAS Research Associate. #CLAS60Years

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Dr Jill Whitelock @jillwhitelock.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Library integers with a Sherlock Holmes bloodhound. #WeekIforIntegers #AlphabetChallenge @theul.bsky.social

Book spines showing dust jackets from a detective fiction series: ‘American Mystery’ or ‘British Mystery’ followed by a number, with an illustration a bloodhound’s head, wearing a deerstalker and smoking a pipe.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

As children head back to school, let’s take a journey back to classrooms of the past with this wonderful miniature ‘Book-case of Knowledge’. These tiny books (we have 8 of the original 10!) cover various subjects, including simple arithmetic, geography and astronomy. London, 1800 (CCD.7.65.11–18)

Full set view of "The Book-Case of Knowledge" from 1800 on a neutral background. The upright wooden mini bookcase sits open with thin, colourful volumes inside and its decorative sliding front panel next to it. Below, one small book lies open to a colourful botanical illustration, while two additional closed volumes sit beside it.

Close-up of an antique 1800 miniature wooden bookcase showing numbered, pastel-coloured volumes inside its shelves. The sliding wooden front panel stands beside it, featuring an illustrated façade with faux bookshelves and the text "The Book-Case of Knowledge."

Close-up of an open 1800 miniature book titled "A Familiar Introduction to Botany" lying in front of a small wooden bookcase. The open pages reveal a hand-coloured botanical illustration of a white lily and red flowers on the left, opposite the printed title page on the right.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

It's honey on toast all round, thanks to the efforts of our bees – and our resident Beekeeper, Melonie Schmierer-Lee! 🍯🐝 So far this year, Melonie harvested 40 jars of honey from the UL hives. The jars were sold to Library staff, raising funds for the Cambridge Food Bank (Trussell Trust).

A jar of Cambridge University Library honey shown in sharp focus with the iconic library tower towering behind it.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

✍️ Introduction to Poetry Writing Led by Dr Yvonne Battle-Felton, Academic Director of Creative Writing at Cambridge, this workshop is perfect for beginners. 📅Thurs 17 Sep ⏰5-6.30pm 🎟️£10 I Suitable for ages 18+ 📍Cambridge University Library 🔗https://loom.ly/wFSzMPo @whyiwrite.bsky.social

Promotional graphic for an "Introduction to Poetry Writing" workshop on Thursday 17 September, featuring a photo of someone writing on a notepad.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

It's the August Bank Holiday this coming Monday, which means we'll be closed all day! Have a good break, and see you on the other side (9am, Tuesday 1 September). #Cambridge #CambridgeUniversityLibraries #UniversityOfCambridge 📷Alice the Camera

A view looking through a large archway down a long, quiet library corridor at Cambridge University Library. High wooden-panelled ceilings feature a line of hanging pendant lights stretching into the distance. Tall wooden bookcases line the right wall, while tall windows along the left wall illuminate a blue checkered carpeted floor leading toward an arched doorway at the far end.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

We’re hiring: Liaison Librarian (Veterinary and Pre-clinical Medicine) As Liaison Librarian, you will lead engagement with departments supporting the Pre-clinical Medical and Veterinary Medicine Tripos (MVST). Apply by 7 September: loom.ly/LcYar1Q

Job advert for a Liaison Librarian in Veterinary and Pre-clinical Medicine at Cambridge University Libraries and Archives, featuring a skeleton in an academic gown wearing lanyards.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Congratulations to Senior Building Services Technician Peter Matlock on an incredible 40 years at Cambridge University Library! Peter retires this month and leaves behind a fantastic legacy of hard work and dedication. Watch his Day in the Life video: loom.ly/BGBgots

youtu.be

Day in the Life: Peter Matlock

Cambridge University Library (the UL)

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Bryan Deighton, Conservator (Books & Paper) at Cambridge University Library, has completed a project to conserve a 19th-century album filled with medieval manuscript fragments. 🔎Learn more about the work, which was made possible by a grant from @thenmct.bsky.social: loom.ly/PkeRIVs

A conservator using a fine brush to repair a hole in a medieval manuscript fragment with a Japanese paper disc.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Can you spot the dog in this shelfie? 🐶📚 Look closely at the spine of “Not Out!” to see a very good boy shaking hands with their owner. 🐾 #InternationalDogDay 📚An assortment of books from our Tower Collections.

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Harry Spillane @harryspillane.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

One month until the release of 'Selling the Word of God' on Sep 24th. All at Bodleian Publishing have done a wonderful job in producing a beautifully illustrated book! Available to pre-order now from: bodleianshop.co.uk/products/sel... (10% discount with code: SWG10) 1/3

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

We’re hiring: Liaison Librarian (CST/CEB) The Liaison Librarian will deliver library services across Cambridge West, with particular responsibility for Computer Science and Technology (CST) and Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) Apply before Sunday 6 September: loom.ly/K9_PH_M

A close-up, slightly high-angle shot shows a person's hands writing with a yellow pencil in a notebook. Overlaying the bottom portion of the image are two light teal rectangular text blocks. The top block reads "We’re hiring" in black text, and the lower, larger block reads "Liaison Librarian (CST/CEB)" followed by "University of Cambridge Libraries and Archives" in a smaller font below it.

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Dr Jill Whitelock @jillwhitelock.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Trade catalogue of ‘Novels & Romances’, annotated with the classmarks of copies held at @theul.bsky.social. It was printed in 1846, so a year too early for e.g. ‘Wuthering Heights’, which was added by hand to a list at the end. ULIB 7/3/23 @theulspeccoll.bsky.social

Pages from an annotated printed trade catalogue of ‘Novels & Romances’.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

At 154 feet tall, the University Library’s tower is a familiar feature of the Cambridge skyline. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott – architect of Battersea Power Station and designer of the red telephone box – the library opened in 1934. 📷 Photo by Lloyd Mann

Two people walking through a sunny, dry field with green trees and the tall brick tower of Cambridge University Library visible in the background.

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Cambridge University Library @theul.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Learn about the plants traditionally used to produce pigments for medieval manuscript painting in this fascinating BBC radio interview with Emma Nichols from Cambridge University Library’s Conservation team! 🌱🎨 Tune in to Emma's interview segments: 📻 1:44:00 📻 2:52:00 loom.ly/bx6m2cc

loom.ly

Dotty McLeod - Energy efficient homes and hula hooping! - BBC Sounds

Dotty and the team set you up to have the best day possible in Cambridgeshire.

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