Welcome to the Crowther Library

Welcome to the Crowther Library

CMS has a new librarian and here she shines a little more light on the treasure trove that is the Crowther Library.

by Rosie Groth,


The Crowther Library at CMS goes back to the foundations of the society in 1799. From the very beginning, CMS librarians and archivists collected books, papers and artefacts which were generated by the newly-founded mission.

As the years went by, these items were organised and catalogued for the benefit of readers and researchers both in the UK and across the world.

Currently we have about 26,000 books on the shelves and over two million items in the archives. In addition, we have thousands of journals which provide the very latest scholarship on mission and theology.

Today, the library is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom collected over two centuries!

Rosie with just a few of the 26,000 volumes on offer in the Crowther Library

With the growth and development of the Pioneer courses, the library has branched out in a whole new direction.

Contextual theology, illuminating case studies and practical examples from around the world can challenge us and help us think more creatively about the Christian faith.

New books are being added all the time, with recommendations coming in from staff, students and CMS colleagues.

We have had a number of research students on site in the library so far this year, focusing variously on Kenya in the 1920s, Tanzania in the 1960s and the languages of Southern Argentina.

There are so many fascinating stories. Look out for Photo of the Week from our archivist, Maddy, on Facebook and Instagram.

The library catalogue is available online here, and you will see the most recent acquisitions pictured on the front page.

It is always a pleasure to hear from students past and present and specially to help locate the exact text or author that they are looking for.

New Books email

Get a monthly email to keep up to date with all new books and journals that come in to the library.


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