Bradford University Library Celebrates 50 Years

Half a century of service marked at JB Priestley Library

The JB Priestley Library at the University of Bradford has reached its 50th anniversary, marking five decades since its official opening in 1975. The milestone was commemorated with a series of events reflecting on the library’s history and its evolving role in supporting students and staff.

Historical background

The library was officially opened on 18 October 1975 by JB Priestley, the Bradford-born writer after whom it is named, alongside then-University Chancellor and Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Since then, it has served as a central academic resource on campus.

Anniversary celebrations

On 14 October 2025, past and present library staff gathered to mark the occasion. The event featured:

• A timeline display highlighting key moments from 1975 to 2025
• A screening of the 1979 film Welcome to Bradford University Library, showcasing changes over the decades
• Exhibits including the University of Bradford News Sheet from 16 October 1975 and its 2025 counterpart
• The planting of a Braeburn apple tree by Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon, symbolising renewal and sustainability

Changes over time

Library staff reflected on how much the service has transformed. Sophie North, Library Customer Services Manager, who began working at the library in 1989, described how processes were once entirely manual, with students queuing to join and obtain library cards. Stephen Mercer, Electronic Resources Assistant since 1989, noted the significant impact of technology, moving from catalogue cards to digital systems that have altered how information is accessed and used.

Facilities and collections

The JB Priestley Library houses the University’s Special Collections, which include more than 150 archives and rare books, among them works by JB Priestley. It also contains a family room to support students with childcare needs.

In 2024, the library’s Study Hub underwent a £1.6 million refurbishment to expand and improve group learning spaces on the lower ground floor.

Library facts and figures

• In 2012, approximately 5km of print journals were removed as the library shifted towards digital resources
• The first e-book was purchased in August 2009; the library now provides access to over 500,000 e-books
• The University’s first library website launched in January 1998
• The first computer was introduced to the library in 1979
• The number of print books increased from 196,885 in 1975 to 276,532 in 2025