The RASE library is a unique historical collection that contains not only copies of the Society's own publications and journals but those of other organisations, many of which no longer exist. The library also contains important collections of papers and journals as well as numerous standard reference books related to the land based industries.

The library is as old as the Society having been established in 1838, and contains some 9000 books.

The RASE library is complementary to that maintained by the Museum of English Rural Life at Reading University where many of the earlier archives of the Society are deposited.

Although primarily of an agricultural and land-based nature, the holding also includes important works related to rural social development and biographies of leading individuals and families of their day.

It is unique in that so much information relating to agriculture in its widest sense is housed in one place.

All visits are by appointment only.

Download information leaflets:

An Interesting Visit (243 Kb)
Archive & Artefacts (212 Kb)

Contacts:

Librarian: library@rase.org.uk, telephone 02476 853076.

The Museum of English Rural Life, Reading University, merl@reading.ac.uk, telephone 0118 378 8660, website: www.merl.org.uk