Share your memories of Hartley Library

Whatever your course or graduation year, the chances are your Southampton experience included Hartley Library.

It’s a building that holds a lot of history, some told, some buried deep within its walls. In recognition of this, and ahead of the exhibition Hartley Library: Looking Back, Looking Forward later this year, we want to hear from you.

Over a century of history

The Hartley Library, which takes its name from its Victorian benefactor Henry Robinson Hartley, can trace its presence at the heart of Highfield campus back to 1914. The building as we know it now is an accumulation of numerous expansions since then, with the iconic entrance designed in part by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, famous for the red telephone box and Battersea Power Station.

It is now an internationally significant research library, home to 520,000 physical stock items, unique archives and special collections, as well as over 2000 study spaces and extensive digital collections.

As well as serving our current students, it’s open to alumni, University staff and our wider civic communities throughout the year.

While a lot has changed since 1914, our aim has always been to ensure our library services are modern and relevant. Behind the scenes, we’re working to create an even more adaptable, inclusive, accessible, creative and sustainable place. A place that’ll set the scene for many more memories in the years ahead.

How to share your Hartley history

Whenever you graduated, we want you to tell us what Hartley Library meant – or still means – to you. Did you meet your partner or best friend while scanning the shelves? Perhaps an off-chance discovery in one of our collections paved for the way for a lifelong career? Here’s how you can share your stories:

Complete an online form

You can fill in a short form here.

Pick up a postcard

If you’re local, you can pick up a postcard from Hartley Library reception and follow the instructions on the card.

All forms and postcards need to be submitted or returned by 30 September 2025.

Visit the exhibition

Hartley Library: Looking Back, Looking Forward will take place in the Level 4 Gallery at Hartley Library from 10 November 2025 to 30 January 2026.