CHAWTON House Library has launched a £40000 Book Conservation Appeal to ensure the future of its globally respected collection of works written by women in English from 1600 to 1830.

The collection comprises some 10,000 volumes and original manuscripts, early editions, some rare and some unique and a lot need urgent care.

The appeal has been triggered by a preservation assessment survey undertaken in May.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.