- The Diocesan Catholic Reference Library 

Click here for the Library Website

Librarian: Rev Deacon Michael Dolan, MA, FCLIP

The Talbot Library
Weston Street
PRESTON
PR2 2QE

Tel: 01772 760186

Email: talbotlibrary@btconnect.com

The Talbot Library is a major reference library devoted to Catholic history, theology and spirituality, within the wider Christian context.

It includes books on church art, architecture and music, as well as world, national and local history, with a wide coverage of the Catholic heritage of the north west of England.

The Library is particularly strong on topics such as liturgy, spirituality, scripture studies and the lives of the saints. There is an Irish collection that few libraries could match, and sections within the Library devoted to such topics as women's studies, peace studies and education. There are special collections of books by the fathers like Newman, Chesterton and Belloc. All the major themes theologians are well represented.

The Library named after a William Talbot, a generous benefactor of the Catholic Church, was established in 1992. It occupies what was formerly the parish school of St Walburge's, erected between 1847 and 1849 to the design of architect J A Hanson.  A Grade II listed building, it is situated next to St Walburge's church, itself one of Preston's most inspiring buildings.

The Library is open free of charge to all bona fide students and researchers each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.