What our library users say
In the last three years we asked some of our readers to tell us what impact our Library and its collection has on their lives. Here are there statements.
Anon, February 2026
I am retired but still eager to learn. I have studied theology at Heythrop College and would like to continue researching the subject.
Anon, December 2025
I am renewing because I have no other access to a first-class theological library, as a fully retired Cambridge don living near London, who has spent a lifetime studying theology. In retirement, I lead a regular weekly reading, meditation and discussion group in my parish and hope that keeping abreast of theological developments is also helpful to the group. More broadly, I am pulling together and reflecting on the lessons of a career in theological education and psychoanalytic mental health practice.
Anon, May 2025
I would like to renew my membership as the books and journals I borrow or consult are used for catechises.
Jonathan Williams, March 2025
As a Roman ancient historian with a developing interest in the Septuagint, New Testament Studies and early Church history, I was excited to discover Heythrop Library. The experience has surpassed my expectations. The collection is outstanding, the reading room most congenial, and the staff extremely helpful. Heythrop Library will, I am certain, be an invaluable resource for my new research directions. I am delighted to recommend it to prospective new members. Come and make use of this fantastic library!
Anon, March 2025
Good range of books which are not available in other libraries
Anon, February 2025
It’s a wonderful library.
Anon, December 2024
I volunteer with the Centre for Applied Carmelite Studies in Oxford. I have responsibility as a project manager establishing 3 project CACS safeguarding policy and ongoing implementation, CSSA audit and implementation plan SEM – Sacred Encounter Ministry – establishing CACS online directory of spiritual directors and supervisors
Supervision ministry – I have responsibility for establishing the proposed curriculum for CACS online Ministry of Supervision course. I find/found in these responsibilities the library and the support of the librarians invaluable. I hope to make more use of the library next year, the last few months have been hectic which much travel. But I do need to undertake more research for all three responsibilities. The library is also a place of calm where getting away from the busyness of Oxford to the quiet library and good accommodation and church is like a mini retreat for myself.
Anon, April 2023
I am a librarian within one of the Russell Group Universities, which does not teach Philosophy or Theology as academic subjects. As a practising Catholic I have an interest in Theology, Philosophy and Metaphysics, specifically in the context of Aristotelian and Thomist thought. I am currently coming to the end of a two-year diocesan program in Catechesis.
Heythrop Library at the London Jesuit Centre has been invaluable to me working and living within London. It has been incredibly important for me to be able to study in a quiet space and take a break for Mass during my visits. The staff have always been knowledgeable, supportive and welcoming, the off-site service has been excellent and the librarians have always made contact with me in a timely manner when my requests have been made.
Anon, March 2023
My paid membership of the Library has given me access to an exceptional range of theological and philosophical material. Invaluable at this time of Synodal renewal, and brilliantly supported by its staff, the Library has proved to be a hub for research and spiritual development.
Anon, March 2023
As a research student at the Newman Institute in Uppsala spending part of my time in London the Heythrop Library is a very valuable resource. Being a paying member of the library gives me access to the large library catalogue with titles difficult to find elsewhere, and also provides me with a place to study when in London. I am extremely grateful for having found the library and being able to extend my presence within the Jesuit and Church family.
Anon, March 2023
I am a retired university professor (Aston University; Sciences Po Lille). Also a member of the Conseil de direction of the Association Internationale Cardinal Henri de Lubac. One of my areas of research over the past fifty years has been, broadly speaking, the interface between political and religious thought in nineteenth- and twentieth-century France. I am currently preparing a book on aspects of the life and thought of Fr Gaston Fessard (1897-1978). I benefited greatly from the Library in the years when Heythrop College was on Kensington Square, and I have rejoiced in the past two years in the services of the new Heythrop Library at the London Jesuit Centre on Mount Street.
Prof. Anthony Carty, March 2023
I have recently found that in the area of philosophy you have a very deep collection off site but easily accessible within a day or two. […] The journal list is extremely impressive and the facility of the Library Reading room is excellent. As legal philosophy is my speciality the Library is especially valuable in having a good foreign language holding. Also you seem to have something of a budget and can make key ordering of books when requested. […] It is surprising to have such a tranquil facility in the most expensive center of an extremely hectic city.
Retired solicitor and theology student, March 2023
I’ve been a member of the Heythrop Library at the London Jesuit Centre for a couple of years now. At the Cathedral in my home town I study, and undertake courses in, theology in my retirement including New Testament Greek.
The library is particularly useful for borrowing books to take away and study at leisure as well as on site. It is a lovely peaceful space and the librarians are most helpful and welcoming. They let me know when offsite books I have ordered arrive and I come in to pick them up.
I consider it well worth the membership fee when I happen not to be undertaking a course at the Centre.
David Smith, retired teacher, March 2023
The Jisc Library Hub led me to the Heythrop. Sometimes the Heythrop alone held a volume I wanted to consult, and often it was the only holding library readily accessible to me.
From the start, I was made to feel welcome. The small team provides an unfailingly personal and helpful service, always ready to do whatever possible to help me gain access to an article or book. The collection is tremendous, the catalogue and request system easy to use, and borrowing books couldn’t be simpler. Communications by email and in person have always been efficient and friendly. The modest fee for membership justified itself in no time at all, and the reading room is a great spot in Mayfair for quiet study and reflection. A wonderful resource!
More to come as we receive them.