Sixteen university libraries, home to everything from first draft Jane Austen works to the letters of acid bath murderer John George Haigh will open to the public on September 10 and 11.

Open Cambridge is a weekend of free tours, talks and open access to many University and College buildings, as well as buildings around the city, between September 10-12.

For the second year running it will include 16 prestigious college and university libraries, usually closed to the public.
 

Highlights include the chance to visit the Radzinowicz Library - a crime research library - which exhibits art by prisoners and secure patients, the prison letters of John George Haigh, and many other works unique to the library.
 

Meanwhile, those with an interest in South Asia and the British Empire can catch a glimpse of Indian life under British rule, as captured in the home movies of expatriates who lived there between 1911-1956. The South Asian Studies Library also has artwork and archive recordings in which men and women reflect on the events and issues they experienced during that period.
 

Other Open Cambridge library highlights include:

• An exhibition by Lucy Cavendish College Library on the life of Joyce Grenfell (1910-1979), an accomplished actress best remembered for her monologues, songs, and comic writings. The Library Foyer will hold an exhibition of material from the College Archive on the life of Joyce Grenfell

• An exhibition presented by King’s College Library of first and early editions of Jane Austen’s works in the Warren Collection and archival documents relating to other women associated with King’s College

In addition to the open libraries and tours of Cambridge's historic Colleges and grounds, Open Cambridge this year includes a series of free talks at the Babbage Lecture Theatre on Saturday, September 11. Highlights include town and gown relations as seen in caricatures and comic postcards, understanding the Botanic Garden through science and art, past and future, and examining Cambridge as a city of history under tremendous pressure to change.
 

This year a number of tours and activities have been specifically designed for children and families.
 

Sue Long, Festivals and Outreach Officer responsible for Open Cambridge, said: "We are really excited that so many of the University and College libraries are opening up to the public again this year. Between them, they have the most fantastic and varied collections imaginable. We hope people will enjoy being able to share our rich, centuries-old local heritage."
 


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