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Special collections

To access the collection, please bring either a Suffolk Library card or proof of name and address as ID.

African Caribbean collection

The African-Caribbean collection is located at Ipswich County Library. Check the online catalogue to find out what books and DVDs are available.

Benjamin Britten collection

Includes all published scores. Full, vocal, choral scores and librettos – about 240 items. A selection of books about Britten also available, including microfilm copies of 5 juvenile autograph manuscripts.

  • Dates covered: Up to 1973
  • Material included: Audio cassettes, music scores, video cassettes, books
  • Location: Lowestoft Record Office

Cullum collection

A bequest of a typical family library of a 19th century gentleman, namely George Milner-Gibson-Cullum FSA (1857-1921). 4000 volumes on travel, topography, social and political sciences, natural history, philosophy and genealogy.

  • Dates covered: 17th – 20th centuries
  • Material included: Serials (e.g. journals), books
  • Location: Bury Record Office

Edward FitzGerald collection

Covers most of FitzGerald’s publications, including translations from foreign languages.

  • Dates covered: 1809 – 1880
  • Material included: Cuttings, ephemera (e.g. posters), books
  • Location: Woodbridge Library

Indic language collection

We stock fiction and non fiction books for adults and children, films, CDs, in various Indic languages held in Ipswich County Library but can be reserved for pickup in any Suffolk library:

Ipswich Old Town Library

The second oldest municipal public library in the country. Originally a bequest by William Smart of Ipswich, it was formed into the town library in 1615. It consists of about 700 works relating to local history, topography, theology and natural history.

Music & drama library

Hire complete play texts and musical scores for your group. Find out contact details, charges and how to use the service.

Racing collection

Focuses on flat racing, but also includes sporting reminiscences, history and anatomy of the horse. Over 700 volumes, including sets of the Racing Calendar from 1874 and the Bloodstock Breeder’s Review from 1912.

Seckford collection

Local history material loaned by the Seckford Governors, a Woodbridge Charitable Trust responsible for administering the Grammar School and Almshouses.

Covers East Anglia, especially the Woodbridge area, and includes works by local authors and church magazines. Also includes one rarity, the manuscript of the multi-volume Suffolk Moated Houses.

  • Dates covered: 1760 – 1970 (approximately)
  • Material included: Serials, cuttings, photographs, audio cassettes, ephemera, books
  • Location: Woodbridge Library

All collections are for reference only.

There is restricted access to some special collections so contact the appropriate library, record office or school for more information.