History of the Chris Mead Library

The history and development of the Chris Mead Library and the Archives is itself a unique reflection of the diverse and vibrant nature of the BTO's members, volunteers and the science of ornithology.

The history of the Chris Mead Library

The story of our library begins in the 1930s, when naturalist and biologist Wilfred Backhouse Alexander donated his personal collection of ornithological literature to the Edward Gray Institute of Field Ornithology (EGI) at Oxford University.

Alexander, along with ornithologists Max Nicholson and Bernard Tucker, founded the EGI in its initial form - the Oxford Bird Census - in 1930, and Alexander was appointed as its Director. The Census went through several transitions over the following years, and in 1938 it was formally recognised by Oxford University as the Edward Gray Institute of Field Ornithology.

Alexander's collection formed the core of the Institute's library, and he became its Director in 1945. Two years later, the collection was officially named the Alexander Library in his honour - a world-class ornithological library still housed in the EGI today.

BTO was at that time a fledgling organisation, having been founded in 1932, but it already shared links with the EGI: Max Nicholson was BTO's Treasurer, while Bernard Tucker was the organisation's Secretary. BTO funded the final stage of the EGI's development, cementing the relationship between the Institute and BTO even further.

Leaving the nest

The Alexander Library was initially made up of both a reference library and a lending library, both of which could be used by BTO members. However, BTO formed its own, independent library when the organisation moved to Beech Grove in Tring in 1969.

What began as a small collection of books in a new home - mostly duplicate EGI material - swiftly grew into a library in its own right, with books received for review in the Trust’s publications, bequests from generous BTO members and staff, and periodicals received as exchanges for BTO journals.

Moving to Thetford

When BTO moved to Thetford in 1991, the library moved too: it is now housed at The Nunnery, in the old chapel building, and sits alongside BTO's Archives. The flexible storage, good access and study space available here have helped to maintain it as one of the best ornithological libraries in the country.

In memory of Chris Mead (1940-2003)

Chris Mead joined BTO in 1961 and spent most of his career with the Ringing Office, eventually becoming Head of the Ringing Scheme in 1984. He took early retirement in 1995, but maintained a strong association with BTO by continuing to work with us on press and publicity consultancy.

He sat on the Council of the British Ornithological Society (BOU) and was active in several local ornithological societies. His work was recognised in the award of the Union medal from the BOU, BTO's Bernard Tucker medal, and the RSPB Medal.

Chris was renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of natural history, and was especially keen to see wildlife knowledge shared by bringing together the efforts of volunteers and professionals.

The Chris Mead Library at the Nunnery was named after Chris in recognition of his huge contribution to both BTO and to ornithology - a fitting tribute to someone who did so much to enlighten people about BTO's work.

It was officially opened by his widow, V Mead, on 1st August 2006 in the presence of our Patron at the time, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT.

Chris Mead 1940-2003

Present day: a diverse and vibrant collection

The Chris Mead Library is now a vibrant collection of all things birds, expanding on its academic origins to encompass subjects as diverse as folklore, natural history and identification alongside specialist scientific journals and publications.

It reflects not only the diversity of birds but also the diversity of interests and engagement within ornithology.

We are committed to sharing the wealth of ornithological information in the library as widely as possible and we always welcome visitors to our shelves.

Our collection ranges from popular science through to ID guides and specialist scientific information; you can browse a selection of books on our Book Review pages, where our in-house experts give their views of recently acquired content.

Showing our appreciation

We extend our gratitude to all those who helped us in developing this wonderful resource.

Funding for the development of the new facilities at the BTO's Headquarters in Thetford, and for work to sort and secure archival material, was provided by BTO members and other supporters.

Significant contributions were received from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, the latter support being made via the Norfolk Museums Heritage Partnership.

Contact the Library and Archives

The Chris Mead Library and the Archives are normally open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

Everyone with an interest in ornithology is welcome, but space is limited so please contact us first to arrange your visit.

A lift and wheelchair access and facilities are available, and there's also a free car park for visitors.

By email:

  • library [at] bto.org
  • archives [at] bto.org

By phone:

Getting here

  • British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU

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