In 1995, this historic collection was further enriched by the addition of the Swaffham Parish Library, a collection of around 450 volumes from the sixteenth century onwards, which is deposited in the cathedral library on permanent loan. Also coming into the library will be books which parishes have deposited for safe-keeping with the Bishop's Committee on Books and Documents. The Close, contains about 5000 volumes. Holdings cover the middle range of theology, and do not include simple popular devotional books, nor works of advanced scholarship. About 120 new books have been added each year, together with some older donated items, and this is being increased with a view to expanding to a holding of 25000 within the next two years.
All books are in English.
As well as books, the Library contains recent sets of periodicals, including Theology, The Scottish Journal of Theology, The Expository Times, Crucible, Modern Believing, and The Tablet. Work is proceeding to include all records on computer, with access possible for up to six categories per book. The Library is normally open from 10am to 4pm on Monday to Friday, excluding Christmas week and Easter week and the month of August. Membership Membership of the Library is available to anyone over the age of 16 on payment of the annual membership fee of 5.00. Members may take out up to four books for up to four weeks, or for longer by special arrangement.