Back in May this year we put out a call in Rye News for donations of second-hand books which relate to Rye, or are written by authors connected to Rye, so that we could add them into our dedicated area of the gift shop here at Rye Heritage Centre. We’d like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has brought in books for us to re-sell along with the visitors who have purchased books – the money from these sales goes directly towards the operational costs of the heritage centre.
We’d like to put out a special mention of thanks to the family of the late Anne Wood. Anne was a great champion of her hometown – sharing much information about events in, and history of, Rye with locals and visitors alike. Anne’s family read our article in Rye News and recently delivered a donation of many wonderful publications that belonged to Anne, which can now be found on the gift shop shelves in the centre to inspire and entertain others – a very fitting donation thankfully received.
Over the last two years we’ve sold over 600 second-hand books to visitors which, as mentioned previously, has contributed hugely towards our running costs. Our books are curated by one of our volunteers and, for reasons of space, only relate to Rye or are written by authors connected to Rye and the surrounding areas. Our visitors enjoy taking the time to browse the shelves and learn about the local literary connections from a new information panel in the heritage centre.
Do you have books that you are looking to rehome? We would be particularly grateful to receive titles by E F Benson, Henry James and Radclyffe Hall, and also by children’s authors John Ryan, Malcolm Saville and Monica Edwards. Maybe you have a copy of The Town that Went South, The Bells of Rye or The Faithful Dove that is gathering dust and could go to a new home. Contemporary Rye writers are also popular with customers. We would also be pleased to receive donations of any old guidebooks or reference books with a Rye connection.
Donations can be dropped off at Rye Heritage Centre between 10.30am and 4pm from Tuesday to Sunday or collection within Rye can be arranged by emailing rhcmanager@icloud.com
Our opening hours are subject to change, so please call us on 01797 331066 or check our website to make sure we are open.
Thank you.
Image Credits: Rye Heritage Museum .