Information and Reference

Special Collections

The Special Collections held at Exeter Central Library are kept under the care and supervision of the Reference department. They support Devon Library Services aim of helping people of all ages with their reading, learning and information interests. In keeping these collections the aim is to add breadth and depth to the Library Service's exisiting collections and to preserve some of these rare and unique items for future generations.

We are keen to share some of our treasures and encourage access for all.

Children's Books

 

Rare Books

 

Pocknell Collection

Devon Collection of Children's Books

A collection of Children's books containing a mixture of items which have been bequested, donated or were previously in stock throughout Devon Libraries.

Rare Books

The collection was built up by Exeter City Library since the 1870s by donation, bequest and purchase.

Much material was destroyed in the 1942 blitz but many donations were received immediately after the war. The collection has not been added to significantly since the 1960s when special collections were normally acquired by the University of Exeter Library.

There are about 1,500 items with good coverage of English topography, biography, political history, law, numismatics and herbals.

Pocknell Collection

A collection of shorthand books bequeathed to the Library by Edward Pocknell, a professional shorthand writer and deviser of the Legible Shorthand system.

Contact

Exeter Reference Library
Castle Street
Exeter
EX4 3PQ

Telephone: 01392 384206
Fax: 01392 384208
email: exeterref.library@devon.gov.uk