Reading Room

The Reading Room of the Gibson Library is a tranquil space, ideal for study. Lined with bookcases which came from George Stacey Gibson’s own library, it has the authentic look and feel of a Victorian library.

• We welcome visits and enquiries from readers of all ages.
• Use of the Library is free, no membership or payment is required.
• The Reading Room has free wifi and sockets for laptops.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the Reading Room. Many of the volumes in the collection are extremely rare and delicate.
• There is open access to the Local Studies bookcase, the Subject Boxes containing material relating to the town and surrounding villages, and to the Ordnance Survey maps. Visitors are always welcome to come and consult these resources.
• The majority of the collection is on closed access and may only be viewed in the Reading Room. Please ask for assistance from a member of staff.
• No appointment is necessary but it is advisable to write or telephone in advance if there are particular items you wish to view during your visit.
• Lending: most of the books in the contemporary collection may be borrowed by holders of an Essex Libraries card.
• Essex County Council are trustees for the Gibson Library. Users of the Library have access to the full range of services provided by Essex Libraries including inter-library lending, online reference databases and the Essex Libraries catalogue