Augustine House Library

The main library in Canterbury is based at Augustine House. In an ideal location just minutes from Canterbury City Centre and just ten minutes’ walk from North Holmes Road. The library is over four floors, offering PCs, iborrows, large collection of books, and much more!

Study Spaces

Collaborative zones

The collaborative zones are flexible spaces where you can work in groups or work independently if you prefer activity around you as opposed to silence. You can find the collaborative spaces on the Ground Floor, first, second and third floors.  

In the collaborative zones you can: 

• work in pairs or groups, collaborate on shared assignments and projects
• work independently and enjoy activity around you because not everyone works best in silence
• use equipment to help you collaborate, we’ve added facilities to support you with group work such as whiteboards and pens
• take phone calls, you can leave your phone on vibrate, please be mindful of other people in the space, we just ask you avoid taking your calls on a loudspeaker
• use headphones but please ensure others can’t hear what you’re listening to
• can enjoy a bite to eat. You can have a drink or eat cold food here but please eat hot meals in the atrium

Group study rooms

We have six bookable group study rooms which you can book, located on the first, second and third floors. Group study rooms offer a PC, large screen and whiteboard. These are great rooms to use if preparing for practising a presentation or collaborating with a group on a project. 

Things to remember: 

• rooms can be booked no further than 14 days in advance
• to make it fair to all there is a maximum of four hours in length to one session (booking)  
• you can make one booking for the group study rooms each day
• you can book the Group Study Rooms by going to MyBookings

Postgraduate study space

The postgraduate study space is co-located with the collaborative zone on third floor, in front of the moving shelves.

Postgraduates are offered priority for the seating and computers in this location and we promote students connecting with their peers whilst studying in this space. The remainder of the third floor collaborative zone is for all students to use.

Silent zones 

Silent zones feature a range of individual study spaces designed to maximise your focus. Silent zones are available on the second and third floors.  

Silent zones allow you to: 

• work independently free from noise and distractions 
• keep your mobile phone on silent, if you do have a call please take the call to the atrium area
• use headphones but please make sure other can’t hear what you’re listening to
• have a bite to eat, you can have a drink or eat cold food but please make sure any hot foot is taken into the atrium area
• you can let the library team know if you’re being disturbed by any noise by reporting issues through an online form via the website

Social study spaces (atrium on floors one, two and three)

The atrium spaces are perfect if you like to socialise whilst you study or want to take a well-earned break.

You can:

• work together and socialise, feel free to chat and relax
• work independently and enjoy activity around you because not everyone works best in silence
• take a break, make use of the StressLess resources on the second-floor atrium and take a break with a craft activity, puzzle, board game, Lego and more. The second-floor terrace area is perfect for soaking up some rays of sunshine
• stay connected. You can use this area for video chat, online meetings, lectures or catching up with friends and family
• take phone calls. You can leave your phone’s ringer on when you’re in the atrium, perfect if you’re expecting an important call
• enjoy a meal. However hard you’re studying, it’s important to stop for food. Have a hot or cold meal and take time to refuel. You can use the café on the ground floor or bring food into the building. There’s a microwave which is free for you to use located by the café on ground floor, great for heating some food.

Sensory study room

The sensory room is a space for students to reset between studying or social sessions. The space has been designed with neurodiverse people in mind with adjustable lighting, comfortable seating and a range of ways to control your sensory experience.

You’ll find the sensory room on the ground floor of Augustine House in room AHg.03a. If you need help finding it, just ask a member of staff at reception or at the Library Point. If you want to find our more about the sensory room, you can find out more by accessing this blog post: Sensory room now open in Augustine House Library.

Alternative furniture and cosy corners

There are cosy corners and alternative seating located around the library on all floors, which make a great place to study or to take a well earnt break from your studies.

We have:

• high backed seats with an attached table with room for a book or a laptop
• large booths with space for at least four people, where you can study in comfort
• hideaway pods with a built in light, bench and desk to engage with quiet work, read or to just take a little time out
• comfy sofas have been added to the landing areas on floors one and two where you can relax