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Research

Special collections

All collections are for reference only. To access the collection, please bring either a Suffolk Library card or proof of name and address as ID.

Other collections of local books and special materials can be found at Suffolk Archives at The Hold. For more information on how to access these, visit the Suffolk Archives website.

Edward FitzGerald collection

Covers most of FitzGerald’s publications, including translations from foreign languages.

  • Dates covered: 1809 – 1880
  • Material included: Cuttings, ephemera (e.g. posters), books
  • Location: Woodbridge Library

Ipswich Old Town Library

The second oldest municipal public library in the country. Originally a bequest by William Smart of Ipswich, it was formed into the town library in 1615. It consists of about 700 works relating to local history, topography, theology and natural history.

Music & drama library

Hire complete play texts and musical scores for your group. Find out contact details, charges and how to use the service.

Racing collection

Focuses on flat racing, but also includes sporting reminiscences, history and anatomy of the horse. Over 700 volumes, including sets of the Racing Calendar from 1874 and the Bloodstock Breeder’s Review from 1912.

Seckford collection

Local history material loaned by the Seckford Governors, a Woodbridge Charitable Trust responsible for administering the Grammar School and Almshouses.

Covers East Anglia, especially the Woodbridge area, and includes works by local authors and church magazines. Also includes one rarity, the manuscript of the multi-volume Suffolk Moated Houses.

  • Dates covered: 1760 – 1970 (approximately)
  • Material included: Serials, cuttings, photographs, audio cassettes, ephemera, books
  • Location: Woodbridge Library

There is restricted access to some special collections so contact the appropriate library, record office or school for more information.