Digital Discovery Project

The aim of this project, made possible by the grant of £139,000 from The National Heritage Lottery Fund, is to raise the profile of the Gibson Library and make its unique collections accessible to everyone no matter where they live.

The Gibson Library has been described as ‘a hidden gem’ but also as ‘a microcosm of the world’s great libraries’. Its treasures are too important to remain undiscovered.

The project consists of three interlocking activities: a new website to showcase the Library and its collections and make them accessible to all; a dedicated digital catalogue suitable for use by researchers, accessible from the new website; and a programme of digitisation of the rarest and most important books and other items in the historic collection, to safeguard the collections for future generations.

For example, the Gibson Library has a strong natural history collection. Increasing awareness of, and access to, these books through the new website and catalogue will, the Society hopes, encourage a greater appreciation of the natural world and the importance of preserving the environment.

Martyn Everett, Chairman of the Gibson Library Society, said “We are over the moon to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to conserve and showcase the unique treasures of the Gibson Library for local, regional, national and worldwide audiences.”

As the project progresses there will be many opportunities for the members of the local community to get involved. We will be looking for volunteers to help with digitising books and inputting information into the new digital catalogue. In 2027 there will be a series of public lectures and activities to showcase the early results of the digitisation programme.