Cookies

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue.

Special Collections

Special Collections

Image of Barker Research Library Search Room
Designated as an Outstanding Collection logo

.

Founded in 1833 and occupying listed buildings within the Durham World Heritage site, Durham University's Palace Green Library houses archives, early printed books and other special collections. These include:

  • Over 70,000 books printed before 1850 including 300 incunables
  • Over 100 medieval manuscripts
  • 3,400 metres of archives and artefacts
  • Over 30,000 maps and prints and 100,000 photographs

We are open to anyone needing to consult our collections once they have registered with us. Registration here involves completing a form, providing proofs of identity and agreeing to abide by the Library's rules (please contact us if you require further information on this)

Two of the University Library's special collections were awarded Designated status in 2005 in the first round of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Designation Scheme.

Events

Bodies of Evidence: How science unearthed Durham’s dark secret
Monday 24th September 2018 - Sunday 7th October 2018, 12:00am - 5:00pm, Palace Green Library
The DLI Collection Gallery: Courage, Comrades, Community
Monday 24th September 2018 , 12:00am, Palace Green Library (DLI Collection Gallery)
Living on the Hills: 10,000 years of Durham
, Palace Green Library (Wolfson Gallery)
RSA Durham: Dark Secrets of Durham - People, Place and Legacy
Monday 24th September 2018, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Palace Green Library
We need to talk about death
Wednesday 26th September 2018, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Palace Green Library
Quiz
Saturday 29th September 2018 - Sunday 30th September 2018, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Palace Green Library
Ask an Archaeologist
Saturday 29th September 2018, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Palace Green Library
Little Bookworms
Monday 1st October 2018, 10:30am - 11:30am, Palace Green Library
Behind the scenes with the Conservation Team
Monday 1st October 2018, 3:30pm - 4:30pm, Palace Green Library (Conservation Department)
Dunbar, Dunbar and beyond: creating a lasting legacy from the Scottish soldiers archaeology project
Friday 5th October 2018, 9:30am - 5:00pm, Durham Town Hall (DH1 3NJ)
Beautiful Bookmarks
Saturday 6th October 2018 - Sunday 7th October 2018, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Palace Green Library
Ask an Archaeologist
Saturday 6th October 2018, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Palace Green Library
Little Bookworms
Monday 8th October 2018, 10:30am - 11:30am, Palace Green Library
Fun Flags
Saturday 13th October 2018 - Sunday 14th October 2018, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Palace Green Library
Super Stained Glass
Saturday 20th October 2018 - Sunday 21st October 2018, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Palace Green Library
Little Bookworms
Monday 22nd October 2018, 10:30am - 11:30am, Palace Green Library
Subscribe to this events listing
Download events in this section in iCalendar format

News

The Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellowship programme

Prince Abbas Hilmi, Chairman of the Trustees of the Mohamed Ali Foundation, Professor Anoush Ehteshami, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart Corbridge, at the inauguration of the Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellowship programme on 29 June 2018.

The 9-year Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellowship programme was inaugurated on 29 June with the donation to the university of £114,000 by the Foundation. Fellows will research the Abbas Hilmi II Papers and produce lectures and ultimately an edited volume in 2027.

(13 Jul 2018) » Find out more about: Mohamed Ali Foundation Fellowship

Subscribe to this news

News Feed: Library News

access information

Quick Links

Contact details

Special Collections
Palace Green Library
Palace Green
DURHAM
DH1 3RN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2972
Email: pg.library@durham.ac.uk