The Heythrop Library in London holds an extensive collection of theology, philosophy and religious studies materials, including rare books dating back centuries. Campion Hall Library in Oxford offers a distinctive Jesuit perspective on scholarship, spirituality and intellectual tradition, while also housing some of the oldest books from the Heythrop collection.
ABTAPL’s “Libraries of Faith” series explores religious and theological collections across the UK. In April, the focus turned to “Jesuit Libraries”, with an online presentation examining the Heythrop Library’s two off-site stores, as well as the Heythrop books held at Campion Hall Library.
The session also highlighted some events of the more than 400-year history of the Heythrop Library alongside the history of Campion Hall. The presentation was delivered by Heythrop librarians Clemens Gresser, Amelia Leventhal, and Sophia Venable, together with Campion Hall Librarian Laura Johnson.
A recording of the presentation is available online: Libraries of Faith: Jesuit Libraries recording
Reflecting on the experience of preparing the presentation, Sophia Venable, Assistant Librarian at the Heythrop Library, said:
“With such a varied book collection at the Heythrop Library I became keenly aware of how much there still is to learn and discover about what we collect: such as how interdisciplinary both Biblical studies and modern theology can be; and the value to our users of having a good balance between high-level academic publications and more popular-level books.”
The presentation also highlighted the continuing relevance of the collections for researchers and students today. Laura Johnson, Librarian at Campion Hall, emphasised the outreach value of the collaboration:
“I really enjoyed helping to bring the work and history of Jesuit libraries to a wider audience. I hope the recording will enable more people to learn about the Heythrop Library and Campion Hall, and perhaps even encourage them to explore the collections further.”
Heythrop Librarian Clemens Gresser said the project had also proved valuable for staff themselves, despite their familiarity with the collections:
“Even though I know most of what was said about the Heythrop Library, I learned something from the perspectives of my colleagues, and a lot about Campion Hall. We are sharing this record of the presentation with those interested in our collection, the history and workings of the Heythrop Library.”
More information about Campion Hall Library can be found here and The Heythrop Library here.
Banner image: Reading Room at Campion Hall, Oxford
