The Gibson Library
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thegibsonlibrary.bsky.social
The Gibson Library
@thegibsonlibrary.bsky.social
The Gibson Library is an independent library founded in 1832 as the Saffron Walden Literary and Scientific Institution. The library now houses 25,000+ volumes, and shares a building with Saffron Walden Library.
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The Gibson Library is free to access with or without an appointment. Our services include the use of our Victorian Reading Room, WiFi, and a wide selection of books to borrow and for reference.

We are open Monday-Saturday all day.

#saffronwalden #library #independentlibrary #research #essex
This is 'Small Rain Upon the Tender Herb' published by the Religious Tract Society in London. It is the smallest book in our collection.

The book measures 2.5cm x 3cm, and you can see in the photos below how its size compares to that of our biggest book!
#tinybooks #rarebooks #librarybooks
August 1, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Small presses and private presses

The first exhibition is on small presses and private presses.

The exhibition displays works, books, photographs and information about several important people, including John Nicholson, Shelley Faussett and Mark Armen, who were all local to Saffron Walden.
July 22, 2025 at 8:56 AM
A summer of events and exhibitions

You can see below a list of the displays, exhibitions and events that we will have over the summer and autumn. Anyone is welcome to come and view the displays and exhibitions, and staff and volunteers can answer any questions.

#printingpress #saffronwalden
July 16, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Book of the month: 'Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear'

Beatrix Potter was one of the most beloved children's authors of the 20th century. This biography explores the life and times of this wonderful woman who was largely inspired by nature, something in which she found great freedom.
July 12, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Last week marked 203 years since Percy Bysshe Shelley drowned when his yacht was wrecked in a storm. Shelley was a Romantic poet who published his first serious work in 1813 by the age of 21. Shelley was a great humanitarian now considered one of the greatest English poets in history.
July 12, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Clare Mulley will be at Harts Books on 03.07 to talk about The Library Book. Tickets can be bought at: hartsbooks.co.uk/talks-and-ev.... Come along to learn more about how and why she wrote this fantastic book on our wonderful library!

#librarybook #authorevent #localauthor #newbook #saffronwalden
July 1, 2025 at 9:25 AM
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking for volunteers with good communication and people skills, IT skills, good manual dexterity, neat handwriting, ability to work methodically and with care.
Get in touch if you are interested in any of the roles below.
#library #volunteering #volunteerwithus #essex
June 28, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Reposted by The Gibson Library
Happy Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2025!🎉

📚We've put together useful resources to help you mark and celebrate GRTHM, whether you're in the classroom, at work, or simply want to raise awareness.

Take a look: www.gypsy-traveller.org/news/gypsy-r...
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2025 resources now live - Friends, Families and Travellers
We’re excited to announce our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM) materials are now live! Friends, Families and Travellers’ theme for this year is “Gypsy, Roma and Traveller ‘Heroes’ Month...
www.gypsy-traveller.org
June 3, 2025 at 12:20 PM
The largest book in our library:

Franz Johan Joseph Bock’s Die Kleinodien de Heiligen Rӧmischen Reiches Deutscher Nation (The Jewels of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation), 1864. 70cm (H) x 55cm (w) x 10cm (d), 24kg is on display in our Victorian Reading room.
#library #essex #saffronwalden
June 13, 2025 at 10:37 AM
The Gibson includes 25,000+ volumes and is a major resource for Victorian and Edwardian studies. We are continually adding to our 12,000+ volumes of research collections, and we have a fantastic local studies collection that has been built up since the mid-19th century.
#local #library #localstudies
June 3, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Last week was the book launch for 'The Library Book' written by Clare Mulley and designed by Clare Webber. The book captures the spirit of the Gibson Library and a large selection of its fascinating books. Guests were treated to a Q&A from Clare and her husband, as well as some bubbly.
May 29, 2025 at 12:30 PM
The Gibson Library is free to access with or without an appointment. Our services include the use of our Victorian Reading Room, WiFi, and a wide selection of books to borrow and for reference.

We are open Monday-Saturday all day.

#saffronwalden #library #independentlibrary #research #essex
May 27, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Our Victorian reading room is the perfect place if you need a quiet space to work, study or read. Open all dayMonday to Saturday with free WiFi, and access to our collection (appointment required to view some of our stock). #examseason #study #remoteworking #essex #library #saffronwalden
May 24, 2025 at 10:30 AM
The Library Book written by Clare Mulley was released on Tuesday.

Clare has done a wonderful job in capturing the spirit of the Gibson Library and explaining our history and the collection. We are over the moon that our library is the subject of her newest book.

#newbook #librarybook #essex
May 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM