Old libraries
Picture this: it’s a slightly chilly morning in early Autumn, it’s raining and there are some yellow sycamore leaves swirling in a slightly blurred formation beyond the diamond pane windows. Above you is a gold electric chandelier; you’re sitting at an octagonal wooden table and in front of you is a book that is from the 1400’s.
If you’re interested in rare books, old libraries or books in general then this probably sounds like something from a novel - it’s not. It’s real, this place exists. And you can visit it.
Anyone who has ever watched Beauty and the Beast will understand the pure decadence of a beautiful library (incidentally that library was modelled on the Admont Abbey Library for anyone wanting to know).
But did you know that you can visit these beautiful libraries?
I became interested in libraries as a tween, and I was lucky enough to have parents who wanted to support and nurture that curiosity. So whenever we went on holiday they would add a library into our itinerary. Something which I only really appreciate now I’m older. I still remember climbing the spiral staircase up into the Biblioteque Mazarine in Paris, the complete awe created by seeing the Strahovsky Knihovna. Those experiences fostered that love and adoration, but it also made me aware of rare book collections and old libraries.
As an adult who studies and loves rare book collections (specifically items made during the hand press period) I have now taken that love and fostered it in my own way. In my spare time you will often find me zipping up and around the country visiting various rare book libraries and chatting to the (very, very generous and kind) Librarians, Archivists and Curators who work within them.
What should you know?
If you are interested in going into rare book libraries as a visitor what should you know?
These books are really old, and when I say really old I mean that they often predate the library and/ or the building they are housed in. They have survived religious purges, revolutions, famine, war, the fingers of many many students and the ravages of political turmoil… and they will outlive you. Respect them, respect the people who are their guardians and understand that like a forest you are a blip in the massive expanse of their lifetime.
You will require ID for a private viewing of any books, even if you don’t want to handle them. You will also require a reference - it doesn’t matter who you are, what you do or what your title is; take a slice of humble pie and re-read the first bullet point if you’re asking why you should be the exception.
Librarians, especially Head Librarians, have a lot on their plates and a never-ending to-do list. They love nothing more than talking about the books and manuscripts in their care but they also have lots to juggle, be respectful of them and their time. Librarians of any books but especially rare book collections should be protected at all costs.
The majority of the books in any institution will reflect that institution’s purpose. For example in ecclesiastical establishments you will find a lot of theological texts, in a college’s collection you will find a lot of the Classics. However it’s always worth asking if there are any unusual items or items with a really interesting story behind them. Most establishments will have at least one haunted book.
Most rare book libraries in the UK are private. Nowadays they are usually part of an institution and because of this they are working libraries used by that institution. For example the library at Eton College is very much a working library, as is the library at Salisbury Cathedral. Due to the fact they are private they are not often open to the public for general viewings. You cannot just turn up and expect to see these places, often even if you apply to visit you will be rejected unless you have a reason for visiting - usually academic.
Top Rare Book Libraries and Special Collections to visit
Wimborne Minster Chained Library
free to visit but only open during the Summer season. Run by volunteers.
Bibliotheque Mazarine
free to visit the Reading Room.
Winchester College Fellowes Library
only occasionally open to the public and paid entrance only.
Strahovsky Knihovna
open to visitors with paid entrance only.
Rare book libraries and special collections are as exquisite to visit as you would imagine. And the pictures you see on Instagram or Pinterest do not begin to compare with the reality - so if you are able to visit them then do!
The image used for this piece was taken while on work experience in Salisbury Cathedral, the book is part of the collection there. It is possible to view the collection via paid entrance for exhibitions, view the website for further details.