Heritage Open Days 2026: The James Reckitt Reading Room

Join us for a tour of the James Reckitt Reading Room at Hull Central Library as part of Heritage Open Days! Hull Central Library, designed by James S Gibson of London, opened in 1901. The James Reckitt Reading Room, more recently known as the Local Studies Library, was the original Reference Library. It features “beautiful fittings of mahogany inlaid with various colours and expensive woods”. Now home to the Art & Music Stacks, it also houses the Hull Libraries Quaker Collection, some of which dates from the 17th century, and the Napoleon Collection, originally purchased from Mr John Wilson Smith, a wholesale herring dealer in 1958. Items from both collections will be on display. Open Days: The James Reckitt Reading Room will be open for visitors on the following dates: • Saturday 12 September / 10:00 – 12:00pm • Saturday 19 September / 10:00 – 12:00pm Pre-booking not required as this an open event. A selection of hot drinks, light snacks, and homemade treats are available in Central Library Café.