MKNHS are pleased to announce the opening of their new library facility, made possible by the generous donation of our late President, Roy Maycock, who was president of the Society from 1992-2024.  These sixty-four books from Roy’s own personal collection are an eclectic mix ranging from field and flora guides to specialist works on insects, grasses and orchids.

Whether you want to prepare for a field outing, research a particular species, or simply enjoy some beautiful natural history writing and illustration, the Roy Maycock Library will have something to offer.

Amongst this unique collection, books which may tempt you include: Painted Wings – memories of George Higgs including his paintings of moths and butterflies; the beautifully illustrated Orchids: A Selection from the Famous Orchid Album (first published in 1882); A Year in the Life of an English Meadow, packed with amazing detailed studies and The Inner Life of Animals – Surprising Observations of a Hidden World.

We hope the library will be an ongoing acknowledgement of Roy’s huge contribution to our Society and a celebration of the passion we all share for natural history.

Borrowing a book is easy.  Members can browse the catalogue online at MKNHS Library and request up to four titles at a time by emailing librarian@mknhs.org.uk. I will then confirm availability and arrange collection. This service is exclusively for members, so if you are not yet part of the Society, joining will give you access not only to the library but to all our events and to our vibrant community.

The Borrowing Guidelines for Members can be found here.

Joan Hughes
Librarian

With thanks to Richard and Jane Schmidt for obtaining secure storage and putting together the book catalogue.