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Back to the Plymouth Proprietary Library's Directory Page.
Welcome to the AIL page for the Plymouth Proprietary Library.
The Proprietary Library is one of Plymouth's historic institutions, founded in 1810. It was originally situated in the centre of the city, in Cornwall Street, but after being bombed in WW2, moved to its present location just by the bus stop at the top of North Hill.
It is a Registered Charity run by a Committee elected by the members (who are known as Subscribers) at each Annual General Meeting.
It has a regular income from investments and lettings and this income supplements that of subscriptions to cover the running expenses of the Library and for the purchase of new fiction and non-fiction books.
The Library has a wide-ranging collection of literature, and particular strengths are the general and thriller fiction, biographies, travel and Devon and Cornwall sections. Most of the non-fiction is catalogued on the Dewey system.
Suggestions by Subscribers for the purchase of books are considered by the Book Selection Committee at alternate monthly meetings. Any special work required by a Subscriber, if not available on the shelves, may be obtained from the British Library with which this Library is associated.
As well as the large issue room, Subscribers have the use of a comfortable, quiet, reading room which is supplied with newspapers and periodicals.
Coffee and tea, and toilet facilities, are available. There are two reserved car parking spaces for Subscribers whilst visiting. These are just in front of the Library, which is situated on the corner of North Hill and Alton Terrace.
The Library has occasional social events, with guest speakers eminent in their field.
The Subscriber and his/her spouse/partner may use all the rooms of the Library, and members of the household over 15 years of age may use the reading room. A Subscriber may take out one magazine in addition to any books covered by the subscription.
The Issue Room, with general fiction and all 'new' books (up to nine months old) and 'recent additions' (books up to fifteen months old).
The Reading Room, with thriller fiction and biographies, together with newspapers, magazines, periodicals and general information leaflets.
The Committee Room, which contains a good selection of classic English fiction, foreign literature, plays, poetry and various categories of non-fiction.
The History Room, with general history and Devon and Cornwall history including official records and old maps; letters, diaries, and general reference books.
The Travel Room, with travel and geography books, art books, older fiction and short stories.
For contact information please return to Plymouth Proprietary Library's Directory Page.