Library & Archive
Explore the wonders of the Institute's Library and Archives
IMPORTANT LIBRARY NEWS
Thanks to a generous grant from Biffa Award of almost £50,000 we are able to proceed with Phase 2 of the Building Redevelopment Project.
IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THIS WORK THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSING ON SATURDAY 25TH MAY AND WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL SEPTEMBER
To read the temporary closure news in full please click here.
With its floor-to-ceiling bookcases, fine collection of historical volumes and Victorian periodicals, modern fiction and non-fiction, our Library is a haven of tranquility in the middle of a modern, bustling town. The Library has been in the same room since 1892 and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays for research and for Members to borrow books.
Our eclectic Archive Collection is used by researchers in Guildford and across the world, helping investigations into family history, local events, changes in the environment and much more. Now almost fully digitised, these records are available to search online, making this an exceptional local history resource.
Each month we bring new fiction and non-fiction stock into the Library. To view the new books list please click here.
Search our Library and Archive Collection online, or call in and visit us to spend some time with our extraordinary collections.
Library Collections
- The Original Collection
- Pamphlet Collection
- Notable Historic Volumes Collection
- Scrapbook Collection
- Photograph & Picture Collection
- Postcard Collection
- Historic Posters and Notices Collection
- Theatre Collection
- The Natural History & Literary Society Collection
- Parlour Music Collection
- Southern Counties Cyclists Camps in Shalford Park (1886-87)
- The World War One Record