Get up close and personal to a selection of books from Exeter Library's 'Special Collections', dating back to 1480!
Exeter Library has an extensive 'Special Collection' of books dating back as far as 1480, and we would like to invite you to come into Exeter Library for a special viewing.
Usually, these books are available to view by appointment only, but to celebrate Heritage Open Days, we will have a selection of very special specimens out on display, where you will be given the opportunity to touch and hold these very special books.
All of the items will be old and rare, and ALL are fascinating. Some even come with their own unique story!
So come and enjoy a rare opportunity to have the full 'white glove experience' with some of Devon's oldest and rarest books!
Cost: Free
Accessibility Statement: The Library can be accessed via Castle Street which runs parallel to Exeter Library High Street. The Library connects directly to the Rougemont Gardens.
The Library is in close proximity to Exeter Central Station (roughly 5 minutes’ walk), Exeter Bus Station (roughly 10 minutes’ walk), and many connection bus stops on the high street.
There are five Blue Badge spaces outside the main entrance and four / five at the bottom of the slope (on Musgrave Row). These are all public Blue Badge parking spaces however and not dedicated to the library.
The are numerous car parks situated within walking distance of the building, including Guildhall Centre Parking (EX4 3HJ), John Lewis Car Park (EX4 6AH) and Princesshay Parking (EX1 1EU).
The entrance to the building is wheelchair accessible. There is a circular ramp, as well as a small set of stairs. As you enter, you walk into our foyer and café area and can continue through the building to the main library floor, children’s library, and accessible toilet. The second floor houses our quiet area. The third has our Rougemont Lounge and Balcony, and Rougemont Meeting Room. The fourth floor has the public toilets.
All floor are accessible using a set of customer stairs or a public lift. The public toilets on the top floor have four cubicles, one of which is accessible (and baby changing). The Rougemont Balcony is accessible via a small step, however we have portable wheelchair ramps that can be used to allow access.
The toilet in the children’s library is accessible and has baby changing facilities.
The library furniture and bookshelves are laid out in such a way to ensure wheelchair access throughout.