Special collections

Special collections

Did you know library services often hold special collections that contain materials closely related to a region’s history, culture and sense of identity?

Libraries across the country preserve items that help people understand local history and culture — from local studies and historic photographs to industrial archives and literary treasures.

In this section

Sepia photo of an older Frances Wolseley in a striped jacket standing by a full wooden bookcase.

Frances Wolseley: Gardener, activist, aristocrat

Frances Wolseley was an author, garden designer, educator and organiser.

Princess Elizabeth in the 1950s admiring Nottingham lace alongside local dignitaries.

Nottingham lace: From craft to industry

Nottingham City Libraries holds material that shows how lace's delicacy contrasted with the harsh conditions of its production in the 19th and 20th centuries.

A collage of three photos. Two of the photos are of 19th century circus posters, with one mentioning 'Mr Kite'. The third image is the spine of a book of newspaper cuttings bearing the name 'Cryer'.

From horseback to Big Top: The early days of circus

Have you ever wondered who invented the circus? Library services preserve material that helps tells the history of circus.

A black & white photo of a young boy in shorts reclining in a buggy.

Library photography collections: Capturing regional pride

Public libraries all over the country hold photographs that illustrate the history of the communities they serve.

In a cloud of smoke, a man with a red harlequin jacket, tricorn hat and sooty face is raised above a crowd in front of a church.

Curious competitions:  England's eccentric heritage games

From the Haxey Hood to the World Gurning Championship, delve into the histories of bizarre and brilliant heritage games with the help of local library archives.

Originally published by LibraryOn / The British Library. CC BY 4.0 except where otherwise noted; retain individual credits and rights notices.

Originally published on LibraryOn