The Garrett Library was opened in October 1996 by Nigel Mortimer, the first SCR Chairman of the Library committee. Before 1996, Bradfield had no central school library with most academic departments having their own collection of books.

All of this changed in the mid 1990s when, partly as a result of student pressure and partly from the realisation that Bradfield was at a disadvantage to most of its competitors, the decision was taken to set up a central library. A steering group was established and suitable premises were identified. The block which contained three Classics classrooms and the Natural History and Agriculture domain was converted into two large reading rooms, with an attached computer room and offices. The result is one of Bradfield's more attractive spaces - high-ceilinged, light and airy, with an atmosphere of studious calm.