WYNNE-THOMAS LIBRARY –
Done and dusted
As the 30-month project to dust, repair and re-shelf all the books, pamphlets and brochures in the Wynne-Thomas Library nears completion, the Library has opened its doors for the first time this season.
Steve LeMottee, Heritage Manager at Trent Bridge, explained: “Although the Pavilion (during extensive refurbishment) will be closed throughout the year, the Library will be open on every County Championship matchday – from the start of the lunch interval to the end of the tea interval – and for international and other major matches”.
While volunteers have been busy ensuring that books are in a suitable condition to be loaned out – all Notts CCC members can borrow up to three books per month – others have been reviewing and renewing the stocks on the shelves.
Additions include James Anderson's latest biography, a new book on the controversial Brian Close and a booklet on Charles Shore who played for Nottinghamshire and Norfolk in the 19th Century.
Although biographies are the most popular books with borrowers and readers, the range is extensive including Azim Rafiq's disturbing book 'It's not Banter, it's Racism', Lynn Pearson’s ‘Cricket Pavilions’ – particularly apposite in this season at Trent Bridge – and many others.
There is also a range of cricket books for children and young people; starting this season a range of ‘Wisden’ almanacks and Nottinghamshire Cricket Annuals will also be available to borrow.
During each County Championship match there will be a new information display in the Library, beginning with 'The 1925 cricket season' during the Durham match; the next will be The changing face of English cricket 1946-2024' when Essex are the visitors.
Improved lighting has also been added during the close season so readers and researchers should find it even easier to seek out just the right book or leaflet.
The latest copies of ‘The Cricketer’ and ‘Wisden Cricket Monthly’ are available to browse, as are thousands of other books and magazines in the Reference Section on the first floor. This section is the latest to be cleaned and restored and the range of county yearbooks, statistical reviews and testimonial brochures will prove valuable to people doing research, whether working on university dissertations, new books or simply checking on family records.
Nottinghamshire members can register as Library readers and then borrow books throughout the summer – and beyond by special arrangement.
The Wynne-Thomas Library is in the Ticket Office building just by the main Dixon Gates to Trent Bridge.
April 2025