Changes to Hove Library archive stock collection

Changes are being made to the archive stock collection at Hove Library following a review showing the space in the Grade II listed library building is unsuitable for storing older, delicate materials.

The changes are to make more space and improve conditions for the items remaining in the gallery.

As part of the changes, our libraries will be looking to sell a part of the archive stock collection through public auction. All funds raised from sales will be put aside for future spending on Hove Library.

Improving archive conditions

For the past 2 years, we’ve been investigating how to improve the environment of the upper and lower galleries housing the archive at Hove Library.

Following the review by the Keep’s Senior Conservator, several issues were identified, such as overcrowding, humidity, ventilation and temperature control.

With the Jubilee Library’s rare books room already at full capacity, we need to rehouse a part of the Hove collection to avoid disintegration of stock.

Ahead of making the decision to sell, our libraries approached local archive, universities, art galleries and museums to try to keep the archives in the city and donated 17 volumes of Street Directories to supplement the Keep’s collections.

What’s being auctioned?

The stock chosen for sale was selected based on criteria such as availability, local relevance, amount of public interest and sufficient value to generate income.

The first volumes going into auction will be collections of art and photography magazines The Studio and Picture Post, being sold this August.

Following will be Street Directories (Kelly-Pikes-Towner) later in December.

Customers looking to browse Street Directories will still be able to find them at The Keep – a purpose-built archive for Sussex, as well as online.

Last collection going into auction will be fashion magazine Vogue in Spring 2025.

Helping Hove Library thrive

Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee, said: “Despite the immense efforts of our library staff, the historical building of Hove Library has not proven to be the right place for safekeeping precious and delicate materials.

“To help ease the issues within the archive and protect valuable stock, our libraries carefully selected collections of volumes and decided to find them a new home through a public auction.

“These collections were underused by our residents or already available in different forms and can now get a new lease on life without the peril of decay.

“I believe that funds acquired from selling these collections will provide additional support to help this wonderful local library thrive.”