Adopt a Book

The Cathedral Library houses over 6000 books and manuscripts, dating from 985 to the present day and more than 200 boxes of unique archives.

By contributing to the Adopt A Book scheme you can help us to care for and maintain our historic library and its collections.

Situated in a Grade I listed building dating from around 1400, the library and archive consist of over 6000 books and over 200 boxes of archives. We are custodians not only of the collections but also of the building in which they are kept. We protect our collections 

·       against fire, 

·       against theft,

·       by maintaining the historic library in which they are kept,

·       by making protective enclosures for damaged items, 

·       and by repairing the most damaged items.

To donate to our Adopt a Book fund, please complete the form below:

You can give whatever amount is right for you. Our minimum donation is £25 and we have no maximum. 

For example: 

• £25 will pay for three archival boxes to protect both books and archives in our care and whenever they are moved. 

• £125 pays for a conservator to provide expert advice on the condition and possible treatment of one historic book. 

• Between £400 and £4000 will pay for the complete treatment of a historic book making it possible to safely handle and display this book again. 

Please contact the archivist to discuss how you can support the work of the Library and what books are available to adopt at present: archivist@gloucestercathedral.org.uk

We would like to thank the generous donors who have made contributions to the management, repair and maintenance of the Cathedral Library and Archives:

• Grants towards cataloguing - Pilgrim Trust and Marc Fitch Fund

• Grants towards conservation - National Manuscripts Conservation Trust

• Grant towards purchase of manuscripts - Friends of Gloucester Cathedral

• Donation "In memoriam Chris Jeens" - Teresa Tavormina

• Donation - Ms E Morrison

• Grant towards conservation - St James' Place Wealth Management

• Donation - Grandad and Mo agree with David Blake that "There is no higher life form than a librarian" (the Science of Discworld)

• Donation of cost of repair of Shakespeare Fourth Folio - "In memoriam David Blake"

• Donation - “Karen Coxson, Happy Christmas 2022, with love Tony”

• Donation - Mr Michael Guest