Books in good, undamaged condition can be taken to your local library. We assess donated books against certain criteria before we can add them to our collections. Unused books may be transferred to our archives service or donated to a local charity shop.

Find your nearest library

East Riding Archives collect all historic books, objects, photos and records linked to the East Riding, whether it's a place, person, family or organisation. This includes the current East Riding of Yorkshire boundary, the former Humberside local authority (1974 to 1996) and the historic county of East Yorkshire pre-1974. We are interested in a wide range of information, including the records of official bodies, large land-owning families, everyday life, such as family letters, diaries or photographs, clubs and societies and businesses.

There are two types of donations available. You can gift the item, transferring ownership fully to East Riding Archives. Or you can deposit an item, which means you keep ownership, but we store and allow public access until such a time you ask for its return to be used in a temporary exhibit or for legal reasons.

We gladly accept anecdotes and personal memories along with donated items, to broaden our and the public's understanding of its use and history. Documents with confidential information can be stored in the closed archives and not viewable by the public.

We are happy to discuss objects, how they may fit in our collection policy, and arrangements for collection or delivery. Please contact the archives. Or you can fill in the online form to donate your item and we will be in touch.

Archives donation request

Both Archives and Museums collect film and audio. We can accept both analogue and digital copies of film and audio relating to the East Riding of Yorkshire. This includes

• VHS video cassette tape
• DVD video
• Film reel
• CD Audio
• Audio cassette tape
• Digital audio and film

To arrange collection or delivery, please complete the online form.

Archives donation request

You can find penny droppers in the Treasure House entrance, library, museum and art gallery. The donations collected go towards extra events and activities for our customers. No monetary donations are used for running costs of services. Want to help us buy new items and preserve our collections in Beverley Art Gallery? Why not become a friend?

East Riding Museums collect objects, film and sound recordings that are linked to the East Riding. Each museum has its own specialism for collections. Please see each museum page to see which is most suitable to take the item to.

Objects can be gifted, bequeathed or deposited in the museum. Gifts or bequests transfers full ownership of the item to East Riding Museums, while a deposit allows you to keep ownership, but it will be stored or put on display by East Riding Museums until such a time you ask for its return to be used in a temporary exhibit or for legal reasons.

Photographs and documents can be scanned by East Riding Museums to use in exhibits and the original copies returned to you.

If you would like to donate an item or loan one for display, please use the museum's contact form, describing the item, and the team will get in touch for further information.

Contact Museums

We collect digital photos, documents, maps, film or audio relating to the East Riding. This includes the current East Riding of Yorkshire boundary, the former Humberside local authority (1974 to 1996) and the historic county of East Yorkshire (pre-1974). To arrange collection or delivery, please complete the online form.

Archives donation request