The library’s primary purpose is to resource the teaching and learning undertaken at Bristol Baptist College. It is stocked with over 35,000 books and other media to meet the needs of ministerial, theology, and children and youth ministry students, as well as for work at postgraduate level. There are runs of more than 130 periodicals, of which 40 are current. Access to electronic journals and e–books is provided through the College’s validating universities, and our subscription to the Digital Theological Library.

The library also houses a substantial collection relating to Anabaptist history and praxis, which supports the work of the Centre for Anabaptist Studies.

Specialised holdings include manuscript and historic printed collections on Baptist and broader dissenting history, along with College archives dating back to the foundation. Material showing the nature of early teaching, and records of the library and its use are of particular significance. Artefacts supplementing the documentary record include portraits of former staff, items associated with significant Baptist figures, and communion plate. An alumni index contains brief biographical details of all former Bristol Baptist College students.

Researchers wishing to use the Special Collections should contact the librarian.

The College is pleased to be associated with the Dissenting Academies Online project, where more detail of our history may be found.