Join us anytime between 10:00 - 12:00 to explore and browse The James Reckitt Reading Room as part of Heritage Open Days!
On Saturday 13th September at 10:30am, we also have a special ‘A History of Hull’s Library Service’ talk in the James Reckitt Room.
Hull Central Library, designed by James S Gibson of London, opened in 1901. The James Reckitt Reading Room, until recently known as the Local Studies Library, was the original Reference Library.
It features “beautiful fittings of mahogany inlaid with various colours and expensive woods”. Now home to the Art & Music Stacks, it also houses the Hull Libraries Quaker Collection, some of which date back to the 17th century, and the Napoleon Collection, originally purchased from Mr John Wilson Smith, a wholesale herring dealer in 1958.
Items from both collections will be on display.
The James Reckitt Room will be open for viewing on these dates:
Fri 12 Sep / 10:00 – 12:00pm
Sat 13 Sep / 10:00 – 12:00pm (including ‘A History of Hull’s Library Service’ talk with Paul Schofield)
Fri 19 Sep / 10:00 – 12:00pm
Sat 20 Sep / 10:00 – 12:00pm
Pre-booking not required as this an open event.
