The Library
Come in and browse
We warmly encourage members to come in and browse – particularly on a Tuesday evening when you are most likely to find it open and the Librarian at work.
Recent Arrivals:
New on the Shelves: The First indian - see review
Heavy Weather Sailing – this is the version updated by Peter Bruce. We also have the original version by Karl Adlard Coles
Currently being reviewed:
Knot and Rope Craft - review just completed
A set of Illustrated instruction books on Navigation, Seamanship and Sail Trimming
Yachtmaster Sail and Power
Last Voyages
Dive Scapa Flow
Awaiting review:
A couple of new cruising guides on the Med. One by the Heikels and one by Stephen Pritchard
Some books on boats on racing technique: On Course to Win by Jim Saltonstal, Trimming to Win by Ian Pinnell
And some personal achievement stories – Khivas by the Hungarian Istovan Kaper and Golden Lily by the Olympic winner Liljia Xu
To Find a Book
If there is no one about, you will find instructions on how to find a book and how to borrow a book in the Sign Out Shelf in the right-hand bookcase. There is a Blue Folder which contains a printout of the Catalogue and a brown Borrowing Log where you can record the book you wish to borrow. The Club has a small but comprehensive collection of specialist books on all aspects of boats and boating. Some of these books have been in the Club's possession since its foundation in 1926 and make fascinating reading; whilst some are the latest publications.
To Buy a Book - CLICK AND BUY
Can't get into the Club to borrow a book, click on the cover and buy it on Amazon using the Club's Amazon affiliate account.
Can't see what you want, browse the catalogues of some of the Club's favourite publishers. Click on any book cover and continue shopping on Amazon.
https://fernhurstbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Fernhurst-catalogue-2017-low-res.pdf
http://www.whittlespublishing.com/maritime
Categories and their Contents
The Catalogue is divided into nine different sections. All books from these sections can be borrowed for 4 weeks without charge.
After that a small fee will be levied.
Reviews and Reviewers
The library receives a steady supply of new books from publishers who like to see reviews of their new publications. The reviews published on the website also act as a quasi on-line catalogue. If you would like to become one of our reviewers, email lsc.librarian@littleshipclub.co.uk
Gifts and Donations
We now have a complete set of Nick Ardley's books on boating in the creeks and tributaries of the Thames Estuary. These were kindly donated by former Commodore Richard Keen in memory of his sister Sarah who died unexpectedly earlier this year. We also have benefited from the Estate of Leslie Burgess, a long standing and very active member.
In recent years the Library has benefited from a bequest from the estate of Marten Van Mesdag, which included his collection of books on hstoric boats and boat building on the US East Coast, the gift of a magnificent copy of the Americas Cup Designs 1851-1989 by Ian Bucknell of London, and The Cruising Guide to Narrangansett Bay by Dave McConnell of New England .
Earlier benefactors have been John Hanford of Berkshire, Mr Bob Taylor of Lincolnshire,
Research
We are very happy to make our archive of older books available in the Club house for research both to members and also to non-members.
In the past this resource has been used by television broadcasters, writers and marine institutions.
The Team
Deborah Wheeler, Hon Librarian.
Currently recruiting helpers for one-off or regular tasks. Some of which can be done on-line, some can involve an occsional afternoon in the Library