Welcome to Cosin’s Library, one of the earliest public libraries in the North East of England. Hidden in the heart of Durham, the library was founded in 1669 by Bishop John Cosin to give local people access to ‘good books’. After a period of conservation work, we have now reopened the library to visitors. Whether you are interested in this important part of Durham history or in old books, you can either visit us in person or explore Cosin’s Library virtually.
To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the printing of William Shakespeare’s First Folio, Durham University is launching a major new blind juried bookbinding competition inspired by the Durham First Folio. Cash prizes will be awarded to the most outstanding submissions, and the first prize will also win a paid commission to bind a facsimile copy of the First Folio.
For more information, head to the competition webpages by following the link below.
Durham University International Bookbinding Competition 2024: Binding the BardOpens new window
Explore Cosin’s Library 21st-century style with our online resources. Take a stroll through the library without leaving your chair to discover its many features. Find out about the bishop, his books and his library in our exhibition or hear from our artists-in-residence about how the library inspired their work with local communities.
From its foundation by Bishop John Cosin in the seventeenth century to its donation to the University in 1832, to the theft of the First Folio in 1998 and the recent restoration of the building, Cosin’s Library is steeped in history.
Spanning everything from theology and philosophy to law and history, learn more about this remarkable collection – awarded Designated status in 2005 by the MLA in recognition of its national significance.
Learn more about what has been happening in the world of Cosin’s Library.
Non minima eruditionis est bonos nosse libros (Not the least part of learning is to know good books).
John Cosin Bishop of Durham (1660-72)
