Members of FNL can take part in our own visits and special events and can also access an increasingly large range of benefits offered by institutions that have been supported by the FNL in the past.
The benefits offered by other organisations will change and develop, so do keep an eye on this page for up to date information.
Just scrolls down for details.
- Buckinghamshire: Milton's Cottage
- Cambridge: Cambridge University Library
- Cumbria: Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum and Gallery
- Glasgow: University of Glasgow LibraryManchester: John Rylands Library
- Newcastle: Seven Stories - The National Centre for Childrens' Books
- Oxfordshire: The Friends of the Bodleian Library
Buckinghamshire: Milton's Cottage
The cottage was once the home of John Milton (1608-1674), one of England’s greatest poets. It is now a museum of his work and times. FNL members can gain free entry on presentation of their current FNL membership card. The cottage is open daily from 1st March to 31st October, Tuesday to Sunday inclusive.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Library
The FNL has give nearly thirty grants to the Cambridge University Library (CUL) over the years. The Friends of CUL have kindly offered FNL members the opportunity to attend their programme of talks and visits at the Friends' rate. FNL members can also attend exhibition opening receptions free of charge. FNL members should show their membership card if they wish to take up these offers.
Cumbria: Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum and Gallery
Dove Cottage in the Lake District was the home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth and it was here that Wordsworth wrote some of the greatest poetry in the English language and Dorothy kept her famous 'Grasmere Journal', now on display in the Museum. The FNL has given 15 grants to the Wordsworth Trust over the years. FNL members can gain free entry to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery on presentation of their current FNL membership card.
Glasgow: University of Glasgow Library
The Library of the University of Glasgow is one of the great libraries of the scholarly world and the Friends of Glasgow University Library (formed in 1975) aim to support it in every way they can (and enjoy themselves doing it!). The Friends of Glasgow University Library invite members of FNL to join their events and talks.
Manchester: John Rylands Library, University of Manchester
The John Rylands Library was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband John Rylands. In 1889 the architect Basil Champneys designed the striking gothic building, which took ten years to build and was opened to public readers in 1900. The Library became part of The University of Manchester in 1972 and currently holds the Special Collections of the University of Manchester Library. Mrs Rylands' memorial to her husband is now part of the third largest academic library in the UK, and the Deansgate building houses over 250,000 printed volumes, and well over a million manuscripts and archival items.
The John Rylands offers a year round programme of exhibitions, events and lectures and the staff would be delighted to welcome FNL members to these.
Newcastle: Seven Stories - the National Centre for Childrens' Books
Seven Stories is Britain's National gallery and archive that celebrates the wonderful world of children’s books. The Seven Stories collection includes original artwork and manuscripts by around eighty authors and illustrators, including Philip Pullman, Robert Westall, Edward Ardizzone and Judith Kerr, and about 30,000 books. Seven Stories believes these materials have a unique educational and inspirational value; they aim to make the collection accessible not only to researchers but to young people and their families, through our exhibitions and learning programmes.
- Members of the FNL can:
Gain FREE admission to Seven Stories on presentation of their current FNL membership card - Have free tickets for Seven Stories guided tours (subject to advance booking and availability; a £3.50 charge will apply to anyone who wants afternoon tea as part of the tour).
See the Seven Stories website for further details and forthcoming dates.
Oxfordshire: The Bodleian Library
On presentation of your current FNL membership card the Friends of the Bodleian offers you the opportunity to:
- Attend their free lunchtime lectures on the Library's history, buildings and collections
- Attend their literary and musical evenings
- Book to join other special tours and events
- Enjoy a 10% discount in the Bodleian Shop and a 10% discount in the Bodleian café
For more information and programme of events visit the Friends of the Bodleian website or get in touch: [email protected] or 01865 277234 - please be sure to mention that you are a FNL member.
Please also note that any discounts indicated in the list above will normally be given but are at the discretion of the organisations concerned.