Tour of the city’s hidden gem
ONE of Newcastle’s most treasured buildings will be hosting free tours from this January which promise to be an eye-opener for first-time visitors.
The Lit & Phil - full name The Literary and Philosophical Society - is to open its doors in Westgate Road for full tours from this Saturday, which will unveil the unique environment that houses more than 200,000 books, making it the largest independent library outside of London.
Described as one of Newcastle’s hidden gems, the 1825 members library - a former meeting place for great Victorian minds as Joseph Swan, Charles Parsons and Robert Stephenson and also visited for talks by the likes as Charles Dickens - is bringing back its popular Behind the Books tours from this weekend and while the first Saturday events are already full there is availability mid-week and also during February and into March.
Visitors are always welcome to drop in to the library but the guided tours will be an opportunity to hear about its history, while exploring the ornate rooms where the great minds and inventors talked of literature, science and new discoveries of their age, as well as learn about its role today.
Besides its huge collection of books, The Lit & Phil has an extensive music collection and also hosts year-round events.
It also has been the scene of atmospheric ghost tours.
The current available dates to book tours are Wednesday and Saturdays on January 19; February 16; February 19; March 5; March 16 and March 19.
To book a free place call 0191 232 0192 or email library@litandphil.org. uk for information. While the tours are free, The Lit & Phil would welcome a small donation.