The years of Brontë anniversary celebrations continue in to 2018 with the 200th anniversary of Emily Jane Brontë’s birth on 30th July 1818. Emily is probably the most controversial sister of the three to survive into adulthood and be published. Whereas Charlotte’s and Anne’s characters and influences are more clearly defined and documented by themselves and their contemporaries, still little is known of Emily’s inner life and full and true character, despite gleanings from her sisters’ observations and their associates. Wuthering Heights, Emily’s only published novel, similarly continues to confound and disturb readers and literary critics alike, while her poetry is much admired and reflects the truest love of Haworth’s moorland and its natural world.
This year will see some wonderful celebrations of Emily’s life and works in film, music, talks, tours and moorland walks, including the launch of the Brontë Stones, a unique celebration of the Brontë’s legacy. Check out the Brontë Society, and Parsonage Museum’s fabulous events and workshops will continue throughout the year, please see: www.bronte.org.uk/whats-on
Nowhere can compete with the Brontë Society Collections, Museum and Parsonage Library in Haworth but Keighley Local Studies Library is proud to be Bradford Council’s repository for a very important collection of books, articles and news cuttings, including a small archive on the Brontës and Haworth in general. In these anniversary years, the Library is adding to this with newly published works reflecting contemporary scholarship and the latest research, with book stock for both reference and for loan. (Please see list of new books below) We also have a new fact sheet on Emily Brontë and this accompanies the full booklet about the Brontë collection and other leaflets celebrating the Brontë family and their contacts in the local area, please see:
www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries/local-and-family-history to download free copies or better still, call into Keighley Library to pick up a copy and see the collection for yourself. The library is open daily from 9am until 7pm and on Saturdays 9 am-5 pm, closed Sundays.
Telephone: 01535 618215; email: keighleylocalstudies@bradford.gov.uk
Emily Bronte New Books
We are starting a new Local Studies Newsletter. This will contain local history news and events as well as many interesting snippets about the whole district.