Quick Answer
The Cathedral Complex Library Key is inside the library itself, on a book stand near the locked main door.
That sounds impossible at first because the main library door is locked. The trick is that you do not use the key to enter the library for the first time.
Instead:
- Go to the Cathedral Complex in Svartrau City.
- Reach the northeastern garden.
- Enter the library through its upper balcony.
- Go downstairs to the first floor.
- Walk toward the locked main entrance.
- Look to the right of the door.
- Pick up the Library Key from the book stand.
- Use it to unlock the main door from inside.
Once unlocked, you can use the normal entrance instead of taking the balcony route every time you return.
Where Is the Cathedral Library?
The Cathedral Library is located in the northeastern garden of the Cathedral Complex in Svartrau City.
When you find its locked main door, check the note beside it.
The note hints at the unusual solution: the key is already somewhere inside the library.
So don’t spend time searching the streets of Svartrau for an NPC carrying the key. Your immediate objective is to find another way into the building.
How Do You Get Into the Cathedral Library Without the Key?
You need to reach the upper balcony and enter the library from there.
The easiest route depends on whether you visit during the day or at night.
During the Day
Daytime is the simpler option.
Enter the Cathedral Complex normally and make your way into the northeastern garden.
From the garden side, climb up toward the library balcony and enter the building from the upper level.
You don’t need the Library Key for this initial entry.
At Night
At night, the Cathedral Complex is more restricted, but Coen’s vampire movement abilities give you another way inside.
You can use abilities such as:
- Shadowstep
- Clawride
Reach the roof around the library, descend toward the balcony, and then use the balcony entrance to get inside.
If you haven’t developed the movement abilities needed for this route yet, returning during the day is much easier.
Where Exactly Is the Library Key Inside?
Once you’re inside through the balcony, finding the key is straightforward.
- Enter through the upper balcony.
- Take the stairs down to the first floor.
- Walk toward the locked main door.
- Just before reaching the door, turn right.
- Look at the nearby book stand.
- Pick up the Cathedral Complex Library Key.
The key is therefore only a short distance from the very door it unlocks.
After collecting it, unlock the main entrance so you have an easier route into the library in the future.
Can You Get the Library Key From A Dubious Gift?
There is another important connection to the Cathedral Library: A Dubious Gift.
The quest begins when the deacon asks Coen to investigate what happened to Radu, the cathedral caretaker, in exchange for permission to enter the Cathedral Library.
Following the quest takes you to the almshouse and its abandoned wing. After investigating Radu’s fate and reporting back to the deacon, Library Key can also be awarded through the quest outcome.
So there are effectively two relevant approaches players may encounter:
- A Dubious Gift route — investigate Radu and receive access to the library.
- Exploration route — enter through the balcony and retrieve the key from inside.
This is why different players may describe getting access to the Cathedral Library differently.
Do You Have to Complete A Dubious Gift to Enter the Library?
No.
Completing A Dubious Gift is one way to gain legitimate access to the Cathedral Library, but the alternate entrance means you can get inside without first completing the quest.
If your only goal is exploring the library or collecting its loot, the balcony route lets you bypass the locked main entrance.
However, A Dubious Gift has its own story, XP, and outcomes, so bypassing the door does not make the quest itself irrelevant.
What Is Inside the Cathedral Library?
Don’t leave immediately after finding the key.
The Cathedral Library contains lore books and skill manuals spread across its bookshelves.
The exact manuals can vary, so the most useful approach is simple:
Search every accessible bookcase before leaving.
Possible finds include manuals related to:
- Witchcraft
- Swordmastery
- Other combat and character Perks
Because some of the loot can vary, don’t assume your library will contain exactly the same manuals shown in another player’s playthrough.
Is the Library Key the Same as the Cathedral Treasury Key?
No. These are two different keys for two different buildings.
This is probably the most useful distinction to make because both locked buildings are in the same general Cathedral area.
- Library Key — opens the Cathedral Complex Library.
- Treasury Key — opens the Cathedral Treasury.
The Library Key can be obtained from inside the library near its main door.
The Treasury Key, on the other hand, is connected to the Belltower inside the Cathedral Complex. During the day, you can gain access through an Acolyte; at night, Xanthe can be present in the area.
Does the Library Key Open the Cathedral Treasury?
No.
If you’re standing in front of another locked building in the northeastern Cathedral garden and the Library Key doesn’t work, you probably haven’t found another use for the same key.
You’re most likely looking at the Cathedral Treasury.
That building requires the separate Treasury Key.
The Treasury is also where you can eventually find valuable items including the Stone Key, so the two locations are easy to confuse when following several Cathedral-related objectives at once.
Is the Cathedral Library Worth Entering?
Yes, particularly if you’re looking for additional skill manuals.
Unlike a location containing only a single quest item, the library has multiple searchable bookshelves and can provide useful progression items alongside its lore.
More importantly, once you understand that the locked front door is not the only entrance, there’s little reason to leave simply because you don’t have the Library Key yet.
Get inside through the balcony, search the library thoroughly, collect the key, and unlock the normal entrance on your way out.
