What’s On at the Historic Libraries

Find out what’s on within our Historic Libraries. Book a visit to Cosin’s Library or find out more about our exhibitions and events.

Shakespeare Recovered

This year, our iconic book takes centre stage at Palace Green Library. This exhibition tells the story of Durham's copy of Shakespeare's First folio, exploring the work of our conservation team to make it accessible again. Visit to see a rare and important cultural artefact and experience a book as you’ve never seen one before.

This exhibition is FREE to visit in Cosin's Library on Palace Green Capacity in the library space is limited and visitors are advised to book Free tickets in advance.

Find out more and book tickets online

Book a Visit

Visit Cosin’s Library, one of the earliest public libraries in the North East of England. Enjoy the splendour of this 17th century Library in the heart of Durham's World Heritage Site. Only available via pre-booked tour.

Visit us

Penned and Printed

An exhibition of our Archives and Special Collections, telling hidden stories from the shelves and strongrooms.

Showcasing items from Durham University’s Archives and Special Collections, this exhibition explores themes of medical progress, local stories of crime and punishment, and the journey to women’s suffrage.

Find out more

Online exhibitions

Explore our collections from home with our online exhibition programme.

Treasures of Palace Green Library

Highlights from more than the more books, medieval manuscripts and important and diverse archives cared for at the library.
Journeys: Reading the World

Explore themes of travel, adventure and exploration using the rare books, diaries, maps and letters in Palace Green Library’s special collections.
Power, Politics, and Preservation: John Cosin and his Library

As Bishop of Durham after the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, John Cosin built a library on Palace Green for members of the local community.