News from the Library and Muniments Committee

Council has recently decided to cease to meet in the Library in order to enable the shelf and working spaces to be increased, in particular so that the local and family history sections can be enlarged. Hitherto, largely for want of room, emphasis has been placed on Journals of learned Societies covering the British Isles and on the years before 1857. The Society’s initiatives in the fields of archival and topographical material have been largely taken over by local government. Now, the core collection of reference and study guides will be augmented as availability permits. As an example, a set of the 1972 reprint of Hasted’s History of the twelve volumes is now on open access.

More lighting has been installed. Michael Peters has kindly donated a fine reader, and the nearby Public Library has very generously made space available for the storage of other journal volumes. The rebinding and conservation programme continues at a level of 100-200 volumes a year. Once these and other transfers are complete the committee plans to experiment by having a member on duty regularly. In the meantime, the Catalogue etc. are available for members upon production of their membership card and signing in at the Museum Keeper’s desk by the Museum entrance.

Recent acquisitions include material on Roman Pottery, Medieval Ceramics, Archaeological finds in Thanet, A Roman House in Dover Forts, Wealden Buildings, Churches, etc. Donations and suggestions are welcome. We thank all our many helpers and recent donors.