American Library - Memorial to the 2nd Air Division, USAAF

14/09/2026

Here at the American Library, we hold hundreds of 8th Air Force memoirs. In these we are able to find out about the day-to-day life of the average USAAF Soldier stationed here in England. Ranging from moving and sad, to funny and bizarre, these stories put a human spin on the 2,500 to 3,000 people stationed at each base.

Soon we will be launching a brand new reading group here at the American Library called 'WWII Lives' where we'll be exploring this area of our collection.

📷 Photo ID: MC 371/469 on the Second Air Division Digital Archive, from the collection of Gilbert C. Crist, 467th BG
Whose World War II story will you discover?

11/09/2026

Today, we pause to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and reflect on the immense bravery and resilience that followed. 🕊️

To mark this anniversary, our new display features deeply moving memoirs from survivors and first responders. These powerful personal accounts share the raw experiences of those who lived through the tragedy and the incredible community spirit that brought people together in the days that followed.

📖 Now available to borrow: Step inside to explore these vital stories of courage, sacrifice, and survival.

CommunityReads

08/09/2026

NEW BOOKS!!

We just received this delivery of 8th Air Force Biographies, some really good ones here, especially for me being interested in the 389th at the moment! It is fascinating to read the experiences of those who served, always provides a unique perspective.

We also have these small guide books all nicely organized again, so if you want a quick read to brush up on any given unit, you know where to find them!

05/09/2026

Full house tonight at the Mohawks, Milestones and Music City event celebrating 50 years of Punk.

5:30 PM – 6:45 PM: Photography exhibition opening by New York-to-Norwich photographer Ali Smith Ali Smith , fashion show by designer Hyde Johnson, with vinyl set provided by Guy Martin of Reel Connections CIC

7:00 PM: Live reading and musical performance by author and singer-songwriter Amy rigby

05/09/2026

Welcome to the American Library! Located inside the Forum in Norwich, UK, American Library serves as a living memorial to WWII veterans who served in the 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force. The library circulates over 4000 books on a variety of topics relating to American life and hosts a digital collection of more than 30,000 images of original photographs, letters, memoirs and other documents. We look forward to seeing you soon!

03/09/2026

Here is a sneak peek of the photography exhibit crafted by Ali Smith. It's not too late to book your tickets, but they are going very fast! Book now to avoid disappointment!!!

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mohawks-milestones-and-music-city-4855887?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

27/08/2026

Some more images from the upcoming Hyde Johnson fashion show that will be featured in Mohawks, Milestones and Music City. Tickets are going fast so book a place to avoid disappointment!

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mohawks-milestones-and-music-city-4855887?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

24/08/2026

Here is a taste of what you will hear at Mohawks, Milestones and Music City. This American Library Podcast features Amy Rigby's Girl to City book launch. For tickets to Girl to Country visit our event page here or on EventBrite
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pRIzYQG6PhMn5xDciI8re?si=FSJQUNXNSA2yZhFj3pLF0w

Air Division: An American Library Podcast · Episode

22/08/2026

With the upcoming film "pressure" on the Horizon, we thought we might share some of our holdings that are relevant. Attached are several photos taken or collected by Leon Lowenthal, a Staff Sergeant with the 18th Weather Squadron and later the 7th Photo Recon Unit. He was stationed for some time at Shipdham, home of the 44th BG. He managed to save some images taken from over flights of D-Day!

These units played a key role in all missions flown by the 8th, interpreting data to ensure that bombs were dropped accurately, and that visibility would make take off and landing possible. To complete this, a vast number of highly educated specialists were employed, ranging from those of a scientific background to clerks who ensured that data was accurately recorded and collated. The Photographic units provided data on targets to strike, and assessments of the damage caused after a mission.

We hope you find these images interesting!

19/08/2026

The American Library are super excited to announce that there will be a screening of the new film "Pressure" staring Brendan Fraser and Damian Lewis at Cinema City Norwich, followed by a Q&A with experts from our Library and the wider 8th Air Force community!

The screening starts at 18:00 on the 9th of September and runs until 20:20! Make sure to get there a bit early and grab your popcorn 🍿.

Tickets are now on sale, don't miss out on what promises to be a great evening 🎥🎞️🍿.

https://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/001/HO00018479/american-library-presents-pressure-q-a?filter=

(The wartime image is from the 467th BG base cinema, which screened approximately 4 movies per week in early 1944)