Chapbooks

Chapbook were a type of popular literature in early modern Europe. They were cheaply produced and usually small, paper-covered booklets printed on a sheets of paper and folded into books.

We have chapbooks covering children’s subjects including simple reading books and alphabets, moral and religious instruction, and fairy stories.

Adult books include, lurid accounts of crime, tales of adventure, shipwrecks and castaways, valentines, and books of practical instruction

Ask a member of staff in the Central Library search room if you want to see this collection.

You can also look at items from the collection in the search room, please make an appointment  (with at least one day notice).