THE DUCKETT LIBRARY

The Duckett Library is sited off St Joseph’s Chapel (Sunk Chapel) in the South Aisle of the Nave of the Cathedral. It is a lending library with a stock of religious publications on a wide range of topics. It has proved a valuable resource for those pursuing a course of study as well as those of all ages reading for their own personal learning and enjoyment. The catalogue is accessible on-line (see link below) – a guide to the cataloguing system is available from the library. The majority of books have been donated, many in memory of loved ones – these donors are acknowledged on the bookplate placed inside each book.

Membership, which is free, is open to all those living across the Diocese of East Anglia, members of the Cathedral congregation, and the local community – to join please visit the library during opening hours (given below).

Donations towards the on-going development of the library and purchase of new books are welcome. Cheques can be made payable to: ‘The Cathedral of St John the Baptist Duckett Library’. Charity Registration No: 278742.

If you would be interested in joining our friendly team of volunteers, a love of books, confidence using a computer and a willingness to respect the Cathedral’s Catholic identity are the main requirements as training will be given. Please email: duckettlibrary@sjbcathedral.org.uk to arrange an appointment giving brief details of your background, library experience (if any) and level of IT skills.

OPENING TIMES

Tuesday and Thursday mornings: After the 10 am Mass until 12.30 pm

Sunday mornings: After the 9 am Mass (approx. 9.50 – 10.40)

When the library is closed, members can search the on-line catalogue and request books via email; these can either be reserved until that member’s next visit to the library, or issued for collection from the Cathedral shop (returned books may also be left in the shop when the Library is closed, or in the ‘returns’ box outside the library).

During school holidays, the library is usually closed but library staff check emails so please feel free to request books or advice.

Image of Richard Duckett

BACKGROUND

The Library is named in honour of the Revd. Canon Dr Richard Duckett, Rector of St John’s 1876-1910: his was the inspiration that led to the building of the magnificent church that is now the Cathedral of the Diocese of East Anglia.

The Library was established as part of a continuing programme of renewing and extending the Cathedral’s educational facilities. It was blessed by Bishop Michael Evans in 2010 and was opened on Ash Wednesday 22 February 2012 by the Revd. Fr. James Walsh, then Dean of the Cathedral.

The furnishing and equipping of the library was funded partly by the Narthex development, with generous assistance from the Friends of the Cathedral of East Anglia, the Cathedral Development Trust and other donors. The Library is dependent on its regular fundraising efforts to cover running costs and the purchase of new books.

The Library is a member of the Cathedral Libraries and Archives Association and maintains a close relationship with Norwich Cathedral Library.

LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Duckett Lending Library is free to Cathedral parishioners, members of the local community and the Diocese of East Anglia. To join, please visit the library during opening hours.

CONTACT THE DUCKETT LIBRARY

Email: duckettlibrary@sjbcathedral.org.uk

Telephone: 01603 724383 (Messages retrieved during opening hours)

Address: Duckett Library, Cathedral House, Unthank Road, Norwich NR2 2PA