You can find art, drama and music collections in the Central library.
Art collection
The collection has material on the fine and applied arts.
About half of the art collection is reference only, which means you can't borrow it. The material you can borrow is in the Lending library, on the ground floor.
Reference collection
Our reference collection includes:
- art books
- the historic buildings index
- the Victorian paintings index
- biographical information on artists
- valuation guides for antiques, art objects and other material
- over 8000 mounted colour illustrations
- guidebooks for historic buildings
- art exhibition catalogues
- old trade catalogues
For more information, contact the staff at the Reference Library by emailing refandinfo@bristol.gov.uk or calling 0117 903 7202.
Drama collection
The drama collection at Central Library holds over 3,000 playsets and single copies of plays.
These can only be borrowed on a drama group membership for which there is an annual charge.
You can view a copy of pdf our drama collection catalogue (2.42 MB) .
If you know what play set you want, our staff can get it for you during opening hours as they are stored in a non-public area.
For up to date information or details on the drama group membership, contact us by emailing bristol.library.service@bristol.gov.uk or ringing 0117 903 7250.
Music collection
We have a large collection of single copy scores and music related books and periodicals.
For more information on the music collection call the Central Library on 0117 903 7250.
Copyright
It's against copyright to reproduce a play or perform it in public without the owner's consent.
You must apply directly to the copyright holder for consent to perform a play. The publisher of the work can tell you who the copyright holder is, and how you can get permission to perform it.
For up to date information on this, contact the staff at the Reference Library by emailing bristol.library.service@bristol.gov.uk or ringing 0117 903 7250.