The KAS Library
The KAS Library
As most members are aware by now, the Society is fortunate to have a library, which is housed in Maidstone Museum. The K.A.S. Library is open to members during normal Museum opening hours (Mon - Sat 10am to 5.30pm).
We show below two photographs of the Library. It is a room of considerable style and attractiveness, now that reconstruction work by Maidstone Corporation has been completed, following the fire in 1977.
The room is decorated in the Queen Anne style, with a very fine plaster ceiling and central chandelier. The sides of the room are lined with bookshelves and there is a fireplace at one end. The central portion of the wooden floor is covered by a magnificent Chinese carpet in Adam Style design contemporary with the room. There are twelve chairs with at present a small table on loan from the Museum. We would be most grateful if any member could assist the Society in obtaining a suitable table for our Library, to complete the furnishing of the room.
The room is light and airy and a pleasant place to study. The books are easily accessible, being arranged on open shelves, with library steps available for reaching those books near the ceiling.
Arranged around the top end and right-hand side of the room are some thirty-nine series of Journals from National and other County Societies. The majority of these volumes have been obtained over the years by the exchange of Journals for Archaeologia Cantiana, from Corresponding Societies, a list of which appears each year at the beginning of Arch. Cant. These Journals provide a vast corpus of information about archaeology and history throughout Great Britain and Western Europe.
The section on the left side is devoted to Kentish topographical and genealogical material. Rare or valuable material is only available on request from the Hon. Librarian.
In the bottom left-hand corner are drawers containing a series of Ordnance Survey maps, prints and drawings. In the cupboard above are various miscellaneous notes, diaries, and documents. In the same corner is a comprehensive catalogue of all the books in the Library, compiled by Mrs W.F. Bergess F.L.A.
The transformation of the Library from the rather dreary place that it was before the fire to this fine room is due to the work of the Hon. Librarian, Dr Peter Draper. He has spent many hours each week on behalf of the Society consulting with Maidstone Corporation, arranging temporary storage for all the books during reconstruction work, organizing volunteers in the major task of cleaning and re-shelving the Society's collection, seeking out and purchasing new books to replace those destroyed in the fire and finally arranging for the collection of books to be cataloged. The Society is much indebted to Dr Draper and I'm sure members would join me in thanking him for his efforts on our behalf.
Although work is carrying on in the Library, it continues to be available for members to carry out their studies and researches. It is hoped as many people as possible will make use of this enviable asset of the Society. Please remember that admission to the Library is only on production of your Membership card. Those who have mislaid their Membership cards may apply to the Hon. General Secretary for a replacement.
Ted Connell
Secretary, Library & Muniments Committee