Discover the origins and scope of Dr. Williams's Library in a detailed, access-friendly catalogue. This first volume presents the library’s early history, collections, and the planned expansion that followed its founding in the 18th century.
Originally published in 1841, it covers the Library founded under the will of the Reverend Daniel Williams and explains how the collection grew from Dr. Bates’s library and subsequent acquisitions. The volume also outlines the rules for admission, the way books are cataloged, and the Library’s mission to serve readers from all walks of life, with a particular emphasis on theology, ecclesiastical history, and biography.
- Historical overview of the Library’s founding, growth, and charitable purpose
- Details on access, hours, and visitor introductions to the reading rooms
- Notes on cataloging, new additions, and the shift to an alphabetic arrangement
- Context for the Library’s broader role in 19th-century scholarship
Ideal for readers of library history, theology researchers, and anyone curious about public access to rare and valuable works.