Eddy B’s 50th B-day

Take 50 seconds to learn 50 years of history.

Our Edward Boyle Library is celebrating its 50th birthday on the 14 October 2025, so take a trip down memory lane and discover five decades of Edward Boyle Library’s history.

1975–1985

With a different name, and a very different look, here’s what happened in the first 10 years of the Library:

1975 – Named the South Library
1975 – Officially opened on the 14 October by the Right Honourable Harold MacMillan, M.P. 
1975 – Smoking was allowed on the staircases of the South Library (Edward Boyle) 
1977 – The lending of books on Sundays at the Edward Boyle Library was approved, with the proviso that ‘if it proves a failure, it can be dropped’ 
1982 – Re-named Edward Boyle Library in honour of the former Vice Chancellor of the University, Lord Boyle of Handsworth, (also a former Conservative Minister of Education, 1962–64).

1985–1995 

The second decade saw Edward Boyle Library enter the digital age, and embracing the internet.

1986–1996 – Reg P. Carr, University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection in the University of Leeds (1986–1996), planned the Learning Centre extension of the Edward Boyle Library 
1994 – The Library publishes its first World Wide Web pages.

Student taking out books from the Edward Boyle Library on an old computer from 1985 to 1995

1995–2005 

Edward Boyle Library entered the new millennium and saw a rapid increase of students using its services.

1998 – Learning Centre (Phase 1) opened officially on the 17 February 
1999 – Self-issue machines are introduced
2000 – The Edward Boyle Library recorded its highest number of visitors in a single month at that time – 193,578 in November.

2005–2015

2014 – Plans were approved for a refurbishment, with aims to create more study spaces to match the demand of the growing student population.

An empty Edward Boyle Library during its refurbishment in 2015.

2015–2025

This decade began with a £16million refurbishment between 2015–2017. With increased study spaces, the introduction of the postgraduate floor, and a coffee shop, the refurbishment reflected the demand of the growing student population, making it the Edward Boyle Library we know today.

2015 – Edward Boyle Library begins plans for refurbishment, including a post-graduate floor and over 200 more study spaces for the growing student population
2020 – Edward Boyle Library becomes the first customer service public place to re-open on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing click and collect for students who required physical copies of books
2023 – The Library Makerspace opens its doors for students to enjoy 3D printing workshops, product design and more
2024 – Eddy B takes over as the 24-hour library to offer round the clock study spaces for students
2025 – Since 2015, the library has had over 7,845,430 visitors.

The outside of the Edward Boyle Library and daffodils

Coined lovingly ‘Eddy B’ by students past and present, the Edward Boyle Library has been a cornerstone of academic life for fifty years. More than just a place to study, it has played a vital role in student success and holds a special place in the hearts of many alumni.

From late-night revision sessions to quiet moments of reflection, Eddy B has been the backdrop to countless memories. Discover some of the nostalgic stories shared by alumni.