History of the Leeper Library

The first book collections of Trinity reflected the classical interests of the first Warden, Dr Alexander Leeper, who began his library in the Provost's Lodge in 1872. Through gifts of books, made notably by Bishop Perry, Dr Leeper and George Willam Rusden, the collection increased rapidly. A tablet residing on the wall of the new library designates the library as the Leeper Library in appreciation of Dr Leeper's interest in and care of the collections. Many of Dr Leeper's own books and his valuable classical and philological serials remain on the Library shelves. In 1958 a Law Library was established by the senior Law Tutor, Mr Peter Balmford, with an extensive range of Law Reports, most of which continue to be provided. Other Trinity graduates have also contributed generously to this collection. A generous bequest to the College by Mr Colin Caldwell in 1990 enables the acquisition of books and manuscripts for the Leeper Library, and for a visiting lectureship. 

Originally the Leeper Library was managed by tutors and students, often with the help and encouragement of chaplains, such as the Revd Dr Barry Marshall. In 1966, the fourth Warden, Dr Robin Sharwood, appointed the first Leeper Librarian, inaugurating a tradition of professional custodianship which continues to the present day.

In 1993 the College Council approved the construction of a new building to house the Library and maintain the high academic tradition of the College reminiscent of the design of the Long Room in the old library of the Trinity College Dublin. With its barrel-vaulted ceiling and alcoves of books, the custom-built Library brings together under one roof all the College book collections. The open access shelving and compactus storage provide for all Leeper and Mollison books and periodicals as well as for special collections. The new Library was opened on 19th April 1996.