A NEWLY restored library is opening its doors to give people a glimpse of some of Durham’s treasures.

Durham Cathedral’s Refectory Library, which has undergone extensive restoration over the last two years, will open on Saturday for people to see its collection of early books.

The 14th century library, which has been restored as part of Durham Cathedral’s Open Treasure project, contains 30,000 books.

The show and tell event, which takes place from 2-3pm and 3.30-4.30pm on Saturday, May 7, is inspired by The Venerable Bede, whose shrine is housed in the cathedral’s Galilee Chapel.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see early printed books around the theme of Bede’s life and the Anglo-Saxon word in which he lived.

Lisa di Tommaso, Durham Cathedral’s head of collections, said: “We are delighted to welcome visitors to the Refectory Library again following its recent restoration. It is always a pleasure to share our wonderful collections with visitors and we look forward to hosting many more Show-and-Tells in this magnificent space.

“On Saturday, visitors will be able to see books printed from the 16th century onwards in Anglo-Saxon, Latin and English. We hope that visitors to the Show-and-Tell will not only learn more about Bede but also enjoy the unique opportunity to take in the stunning surroundings of Durham Cathedral’s Refectory Library before perhaps heading to the Galilee Chapel to visit Bede’s Shrine.”

Tickets are priced at £5 (£4.50 concessions) and are available from the Durham World Heritage Site Visitor Centre 0191 334 3805.