The Minster Library is the largest cathedral library in the country, with a collection of approximately 120,000 books, tracts and pamphlets. Over 90,000 of which are in the modern collections. The original Minster Library was started c.A.D. 750, under archbishops Egbert and Albert, and the Master of the School, Alcuin, who was Librarian c.778-81. Unfortunately, nothing from these early collections survives, what was not burnt by the Danes in the 860s, was destroyed by the Normans in 1069.

The present collection has its origins in 1414, when the Canon Treasurer John Newton, bequeathed 40 volumes to form a library. Another major bequest was the Archbishop Tobie Matthew (d.1628) collection of some 3,000 books. Other gifts, bequests and purchases followed and the Library has gradually increased to its present size.

The main subject coverage of books in the Library is theology (all periods), history (particularly medieval and ecclesiastical), art (especially stained glass), religious literature, York and Yorkshire history.

You can search the library's catalogue here :
http://libcat0.york.ac.uk/F/IJY3B97VSADC6LLE1814BRX1M8ESKC2GVCVLB5BBREBK47K9N6-49395?func=find-b-0 (read less)

The Minster Library is the largest cathedral library in the country, with a collection of approximately 120,000 books, tracts and pamphlets. Over 90,000 of which are in the modern collections. The original Minster Library was started c.A.D. 750, under archbishops Egbert and Albert, and the Master of the School, Alcuin, who was Librarian c.778-81. Unfortunately, nothing from these early collections survives, what was not burnt by the Danes in the 860s, was destroyed by the Normans in 1069.

The p... (read more)