Policies for special collections
Where appropriate Essex Libraries provides space in its buildings for special collections.
The Gibson Library
The Gibson Library is housed at Saffron Walden Library. Founded in 1832 and holding over 40,000 books from the 14 century to the present day, specialist subjects include:
- Local history
- Victorian and Edwardian studies
- Art history and artists
- The art of books
- The English Civil War
The National Jazz Archive
The National Jazz Archive is housed at Loughton Library. Since the Archive was founded by British jazz cornetist, author, and broadcaster Digby Fairweather in 1988, its vision is to ensure that the rich cultural heritage of jazz is safeguarded for future generations of enthusiasts, professionals, and researchers.
Dorothy L. Sayers Collection
This collection is housed at Witham Library and includes books and items of interest about the local author Dorothy L. Sayers.