Vital work to ensure the preservation of precious books at one of England’s most significant cathedral libraries has begun under the watchful eye of expert conservators and librarians.

The 16,000 books and pamphlets housed in Canterbury Cathedral’s Howley-Harrison Library, were under threat due to adverse environmental conditions, primarily fluctuating humidity levels.

The Canterbury Gift secured a grant of £230,000 from The Wolfson Foundation and English Heritage towards the conservation of the library – which was built in 1664. This grant was matched by £230,000 from The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, who have been sponsoring valuable projects at the Cathedral since 1927.

This double cash boost effectively meant work could begin to replace the library’s roof and add secondary glazing to its windows, and also for an overall assessment of the library building’s fabric to take place. Significant work on the adjacent Wolfson Library is also part of the grand plan.

But securing the funding was only the start, with the Cathedral works team then facing the key issue of the safe storage of the book collection while the work takes place.

“The plan is to address the environmental control issues in the library and turn them around. But before we can do any of the work we have to get the books out,” said William Roe, the Cathedral’s Head of Works. “This is by far the most challenging task.”

During the building works, rare books will be moved from the library to safe storage within the precincts. The packing and moving processes, Mr Roe added, were being “strictly overseen at every stage” by specialist conservators.

“It has gone incredibly well so far. I am delighted with everyone’s efforts,” said Mr Roe of a project that has presented the team with some serious challenges.

Canon Christopher Irvine, the Cathedral’s Canon Librarian, said: “The Library is a vital resource for learning and research, and when the building project is complete, we look forward to exhibiting again our fine books.”

Pam Doyle, Executive Secretary of the Friends of the Cathedral, said: “We are thrilled to be able to match the grant from the Wolfson Foundation and enable this valuable restoration and conservation project to go ahead.”

Work will begin on the buildings in August, with the project expected to be completed by early next year.