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 their statements.
Ordained priest, April 2026
Because it has a range of books very difficult to borrow in London if one is not affiliated to a college or university.
Member of a Religious Order, February 2026
I am pleased with the service. I always get the books I want and also all the members of the library staff are very kind and helpful.
Permanent deacon, Diocese of Westminster, February 2026
The library has been very useful in my formation as a Permanent Deacon for Westminster Diocese and and I am now engaged in a MA in Catholic Social Teaching.
Priest of the Diocese of Westminster, January 2026
The Library’s collections and resources facilitate my research on the philosopher Jacques Maritain.
Priest of the Diocese of Liverpool, December 2025
Thank you for the wonderful service at the library. I only regret that I am so far away and unable to use it more frequently, but it is a theological lifeline for me.
Fr James Chegwidden, Anglican priest, March 2025
As an associate priest at a central London parish, I am delighted to have been able to consult the Heythrop Library through the generosity of the Society of Jesus. Not having access to a large theological library since my theology studies prior to ordination, this is a godsend to working clergy and offers real enrichment to my engagement with theological texts and also materials for sermons. That it is a borrowing library and in the centre of London is even better. I am particularly interested in the liturgy, theology, homiletics and history collections of the Library, but it is also great to be able to refer to the hard-copy journal subscriptions to which the Library subscribes. As an alumnus of a Jesuit school, I found the Jesuitica section of the Library also very interesting! Sincere thanks to Clemens and his team of librarians, who have been most helpful in obtaining books for me and for introducing me fully to the library’s facilities.
Fr Jonathan Stogdon, a priest of Westminster Archdiocese, May 2023
This library is a wonderful resource. Its range of books is really impressive. I have found the academic biblical commentaries have been especially useful. This library provides a great opportunity to develop one’s knowledge of the scriptures and general theology. The atmosphere is both friendly and peaceful – ideal for reading, studying and reflecting. This library is a great and valued gift in the heart of London.
Fr. Rajiv Michael, March 2023
One of the joys of preparing for the priesthood was the formation in the
intellectual life and the access to some wonderful libraries, at seminary and
Heythrop.The amazing collection of Philosophy, Theology and Scripture volumes, not to mention their journals, allowed the pursuit of all kinds of questions that arose in faith and life to one’s satisfaction. While one might no longer have such time at disposal as a priest, the questions only increase – and quick access to such material becomes even more essential.
Sadly, the few specialist Catholic academic libraries open to the public in the UK have all dried up over the years.
Which is why I was delighted that the British Jesuits had made the Heythrop
Library accessible to the public and generously made space for it at Farm
Street, in the heart of London. The Church in the UK and all those interested in Philosophy and Theology
owe them a collective debt of gratitude.
More to come as we receive them.