Library - Amathole Museum

AMATHOLE MUSEUM LIBRARY

Where History Lives. Where Knowledge Connects.

The Amathole Museum Library is a specialised research library dedicated to preserving and providing access to the rich natural, cultural and historical heritage of the Eastern Cape.

Our collection supports research and learning in areas including anthropology, local and missionary history, mammalogy, African history and heritage. Resources include books, pamphlets, periodicals, videos, abstracts and government publications.

The library collection is catalogued using the Inmagic DB/Text database, supporting efficient organisation, retrieval and discovery of library resources.

Library Services

The Amathole Museum Library supports research, education and the preservation of Eastern Cape heritage through a range of specialised services.

Research Assistance

Support in locating historical, cultural and heritage information and resources.

Reference Services

Assistance with research enquiries, reference questions and information needs.

Heritage Collections

Access to resources relating to the Eastern Cape’s history, culture, communities and natural heritage.

Special Collections

Access to rare, valuable and historically significant materials preserved for research and study.

Outreach & Reading Programmes

Connecting communities with reading, information and the rich heritage preserved by the museum.

Library Partnerships

Collaboration and resource sharing with libraries, museums, researchers and other heritage and research institutions.

A treasure within our collection

The Amathole Museum Library supports research, education and the preservation of Eastern Cape heritage through a range of specialised services.

The Kitton Collection

The Kitton Collection of rare Africana literature is one of the significant special collections held by the Amathole Museum Library.

The collection was left to the residents of King William’s Town in 1891 by Archdeacon Henry Kitton. It provides valuable insight into the history, knowledge and interests of earlier generations and remains an important resource for researchers.

The collection covers a wide range of subjects, including:

Religion
History
Botany
Zoology
African Languages
Biographies
African History and Heritage

Protecting our Collection

Plan your research visit

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday
09:00 – 16:00
Closed: Weekends and public holidays

Email: buntu@museum.za.net

Telephone: +27 043 642 4506

Researchers and visitors are encouraged to contact the library before visiting, particularly when consulting special or rare collections.

The Amathole Museum Library holds unique and historically significant materials that require careful handling and protection.

Library materials from the Kitton Collection are available for consultation only in the Kitton Reading Room and may not be removed from the library.

This requirement applies to all library users, including museum employees, and helps protect these irreplaceable resources from loss, damage and deterioration.

By safeguarding these materials today, we help ensure that future generations can continue to research, learn from and appreciate the history and heritage of the Eastern Cape.