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New arrivals at Hertford Library

A wiggly group of avid readers have found a new home amongst the shelves.

Worms draped over a cardboard frame in front of book shelves.

The Hertford Library team have welcomed a new family of bookworms to the Holywell Library, after student feedback called for more pets in the Library.

Contrary to popular belief, this specific variety of bookworm (first bred by A.P. Rilfool in 1853) is perfectly safe for an academic environment. They devour knowledge by reading, rather than eating, books. During their first week the worms undertook placements across the college, before settling into their home in the library on 1 April 2026.

  • Man in Porter's uniform sat in window next to open book with worm also looking at book.
    Learning about American history in the Lodge with Dr Seb Page, historian and Hertford Porter
  • World on houseplant next to reusable water bottle and a book on climate change and a copy of Hertford's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study
    Briefed on the Hertford’s goals by the Sustainability Officer
  • Worm with book The King and the Storyteller in Hertford Chapel
    Reading a book by the Chaplain in the Chapel
  • Worm on a postcard of Hertford'd Bridge of Sighs next to red bound hardbacks with the gold title 'Rules and Statutes'
    Perusing the historic statutes in the Academic Office
  • Worm on sofa on cushion looking at book with motivational phrases
    Enjoying some wise words on the sofa of the Welfare Officer

Hertford cat Simpkin IV, in his typically regal fashion, has chosen to ignore the worms, as long as they don’t steal his chair or biscuits.

  • World with book of Hertford's oil paintings in a yellow room with wooden chairs and tables.
    Perusing portraits in the SCR
  • Worm with lots of copies of Hertford College Magazine
    Up to date with the latest College Magazine in the Comms Office
  • Tyerman's book The History and Pre-History of Hertford College on a windowsill with New College Lane in the background
    Fascinated by Hertford’s history in the Archives

The librarians hope that, along with a well-stocked study skills and wellbeing section and regular squash and biscuit breaks, the bookworms will prove welcome respite to students revising for exams and working on projects in Trinity Term. 

Worms wrapped around branches in an open box. Box is on a table with bookshelves in the background.

For more information about Hertford Library’s services visit our online guide. For information about our current library building project visit the Hertford website.