The Library of Avalon
Founded 1988
Background
In the late 1970s, the Arthurian author Geoffrey Ashe MBE, our first patron, and others including Helene Koppejan, David Taylor and Kathy Jones had the idea of creating a “Library of British Myth and Legend”. A collection of books was started and an association formed and the collection was broadened in its scope to include such diverse contemporary subjects as Healing; Sacred Geometry; Psychology; Goddess Spirituality; Astrology; the Environment; Sacred Art; Comparative Religion; and Spiritual and Religious Paths as well as the original subject of British Legend. The original vision of the members interested in the broader aspect of the Library was that it would be the focus of a great centre of learning, interested in all aspects of human growth, spirituality and the raising of consciousness
This expanded focus meant that the library might become the true successor to the great library of Glastonbury Abbey which before the 1539 dissolution was renowned as one of the greatest libraries of Europe. Over the years the Library of Avalon’s collection has grown through donations and acquisitions to contain over 15,000 books and hundreds of periodicals on a wide range of esoteric subjects.
Our Building
The library is presently housed on the ground floor of an ancient courtyard building abutting the old Abbey wall. With an original, heavily worn blue lias stone floor that dates back to the time of the abbey it is a humble building of character that has been renovated numerous times over the centuries. The reading room has an oak beamed ceiling and a large ancient stone fireplace that was probably taken from the ruined abbey.
Collection
The collection includes published books, periodicals, pamphlets and original manuscripts as well as a few audio and video recordings.
1. Primary Core Specialist Subject Area Collection Categories:
Special Arthurian Collection
Special Glastonbury Collection
Mythology Collection (British and other associated Mythology).
2. Secondary Key Subject Area Collection Categories
Esoteric Knowledge
Religion and Spirituality
Psychology
Mythology (world)
Astrology
3. Tertiary Associated Subject Area Collection Categories
Earth Mysteries
Knowledge (Philosophy)
Healing Modalities
History
4. Quaternary General Subject Area Collection Categories
Reference
The Universe
The Earth
The Environment
Human Affairs and Society
Human Products
https://libraryofavalon.org.uk/about/the-library-development-policy/
Contact information
Glastonbury Experience, 2-4 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9DU
01458 832 759 (opening hours only)
librarian@libraryofavalon.org.uk
Opening Hours: 4pm to 7pm Mondays, 10am to 1pm Tuesdays, 1.30pm to 4.30pm Wednesdays to Saturdays inclusive.
Membership is open to adults living in a 23 mile radius of the library. Membership fees are £37 Full and £20 Unwaged per annum. Membership allows the borrowing of up to 6 books at a time for a maximum of 9 weeks.
The library gives free access to all adult members of the public who are welcome to browse our collection and read our books and periodicals in our reading room. While there is a ramp allowing wheelchair access, there is also a shallow step outside and the medieval stone paved floor of our reading room is a little uneven. The library is available for research out of library opening hours for a nominal fee.
There is a café (The Blue Note) in the front courtyard of the Glastonbury Experience. They also have toilet facilities. The library itself has no water or catering facilities.
Website
libraryofavalon.org.uk
Status
Registered Charity No. 1065014