For generations, some of West Norfolk’s oldest books have rested out of sight, their bindings gathering dust while the world changed around them. Now, King’s Lynn Library is bringing these treasures back into public view, including fragile works printed more than 500 years ago, at the dawn of the modern age.
The collection sheds light on the town’s rich scholarly past, revealing the texts that once informed its clergy, merchants, and early thinkers, and offering residents a rare chance to stand face‑to‑face with the region’s own history.
Video of Councillor: Simon J. Ring, explaining how we can all access the rare library books!
Excerpt from YouTube:
“One of the star attractions of the fabulous new King’s Lynn Library is a dedicated permanent home for King’s Lynn’s rare and historic book collections – giving local people better access to our own written heritage.
You can ask to book a session to view specific titles – and a number of books are on public display at any one point, all kept under special and secure conditions for their ongoing preservation.
Some of the titles date back to the 16th century and include rare volumes of local, national and international interest, with one of the first researchers due to visit from Washington State University.
We are so lucky to have a book resource of this importance and size in West Norfolk.”
