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?
Featured stories
Nottingham lace: From craft to industry
Nottingham's lace industry became a powerhouse of the British Empire - but not without human cost
From horseback to Big Top: The early days of circus
Have you ever wondered where, why and how the circus started?
Library photography collections: Capturing regional pride
Libraries hold photographs that illustrate the history of the communities they serve
Looking to see a special collection in person?
Visit a nearby collection
Work in progress
Libraries across the country preserve items that help people understand local history and culture. These items are often grouped under the term 'special collections'.
We've created this section because we think it might help demonstrate this part of what libraries do, and encourage people to explore special collections at libraries.
We are actively seeking feedback to help us decide on future investment in this strand of work. Should we produce more stories from library special collections? What kind of stories would you like to see? Email us your feedback