Maps, Rare Books, Children's Literature Room

Visited by appointment only, this is where items from the Library's collections of rare books, maps and children's literature are administered.

Where is this reading room?

To enter Maps, Rare Books, Children's Literature you must first make your way to the Redmond Barry Reading Room and head for the double glass doors on the right. Then ring the bell on left-hand side of these doors and a member of staff will let you through. The exact location of this room is clearly identified on the Library floor plan.

What's in this room?

Very little of the collection is actually stored in this room, except for a small selection of maps and associated reference materials. In addition to these materials, this room also contains:

• maps on microfiche
• microfiche reader
• computer providing CD-ROM access
• card catalogue. 

Reception desk and public consultation area

The reception desk separates the administrative section of the room from the public consultation areas where large reading tables are available for visitors who want to use the resources in the room.

Group meeting room

This glassed-off area of the room is set aside for small groups. Furnished with a large table and chairs, this room also houses a fine example of a gentleman's bookcase with the original collection of bound leather books owned by well-known Victorian pastoralist, George Russell.

Specialist staff also regularly present talks here on a range of topics related to the collection.

When is this room open?

Maps, Rare Books, Children's Literature has set opening hours when members of the public can make an appointment to talk to one of our specialist librarians or consult material in the room.