Why we need your help
The Portico Library was built in 1806 in the centre of an emerging industrial city. A combination of the resultant pollution, the mass production of paper and the use of gasoliers for lighting and heating has taken its toll on the books. With the generosity of a number of grant giving bodies and of supportive individuals we have been able to arrest the deterioration of approximately a quarter of the Collection through conservation and preservation.
We need your help to continue this work so that the books on our shelves may be read, and borrowed for many more generations.
This Collection is unique in that it represents the mind-set of the founding fathers of the Portico and forms a valuable aid to 19th century studies.

How to Adopt-a-Book
You can choose between two schemes, either select the author, title or subject of a book you wish to adopt, or make a donation that will help towards other high priority volumes.

What you will receive
In return for your support a permanent bookplate will be placed in the volume/s, recording your name, date and a dedication of your choice.

What do I do now?
Click on this link to the PDF application form*, print it out and fill it in.

What happens next?
After you have completed the form, please bring it in to the library, or post to:

We will then contact you with a quote for the selected volume/s or with details of the volume/s we have chosen if you have contributed towards a high priority work.
We will let you know when conservation has been completed so that you may come into the Library to view the result.