The library is located within the Forum building.
Museum The library is a "living memorial" to the nearly 7,000 Americans of the 2nd Air Division who lost their lives in WWII. It has a lending collection of over 4,000 books covering all aspects of American history and culture, as well as a special collection devoted to the history of the 2nd Air Division. In addition, the library has collections of materials in other formats such as newspapers, film, audio recordings, photographs, microfilm, maps. A collection of American military and cultural artifacts can also be seen within the library.
The 2nd Air Division controlled fourteen heavy bomber airfields in Norfolk and northeast Suffolk, and five fighter airfields. Ketteringham Hall served as the Division’s headquarters. The idea of a memorial in Norfolk to honor its casualties was conceived by senior officers of the 2nd Air Division at the close of the war. All personnel supported their appeal for funds resulting in a unique and ‘living memorial’, not only a tribute to those Americans ‘who flying from bases in these parts gave their lives defending freedom’, but also an educational and friendship bridge between two nations.
The 2nd Air Division Memorial Library grew from funds raised in 1945 by 2nd Air Division personnel, which were placed under the care of the Memorial Trust of the 2nd Air Division USAAF. In 1963, eighteen years after those original funds were raised, the 2nd Air Division Memorial Room was opened to the public, in the new Norwich Central Library. The dedication of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Room took place on June 13, 1963. The Memorial Room contained a Roll of Honor, as well as a collection of books on various aspects of American life. In addition, a Memorial Fountain, complete with stones from all 50 states in the United States, was built outside the Memorial Room.
On August 1, 1994, a devastating fire broke out, leveling the entire Norwich Central Library. With few exceptions, only the records deposited with the Norfolk Record Office, located in the basement, escaped the fire. All of the books and display items in the 2nd Air Division Memorial Room, including uniforms, photographs, and anything else on display or on the shelves of the Memorial Room, were lost to the flames. The Memorial Library was moved to temporary quarters until it’s new home in the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library at The Forum, was opened on November 1, 2001.
