FEATURE | Library
Friends
of the librAry The Friends of the Library recently assisted with the purchase of La petite Galerie Dramatique, Paris, 1796-1843. This is a series of 1,600 coloured plates showing actors in costume over half a century. It is hugely important in the illustration of French drama of the period and complements the collection of French plays built up in recent years. This is an example of the role in which the Friends of the Library can play their part in developing the special collections of rare materials. Founded six decades ago, the Friends is an association which aims to combine support of the Library’s special collections with an opportunity for interaction between College and the wider community.
Prof Stephen White and
Robin Adams.
life of Nobel Prize laureate Samuel Beckett. The Friends raise these funds through members' fees of €30 (which includes a subscription to Long Room, the journal devoted to the history of the book in Ireland which the Friends publish), and through active support of the annual Trinity Secondhand Booksale, which is such an occasion for all book enthusiasts. From time to time, art works are also purchased, to add to the ambiance of the library, such as a batik by Bernadette Madden recently hung in the orientation area. The Friends organise lectures about books in general, history, current affairs and cultural matters, often drawing on speakers whose researches or experiences are centred on Trinity. Members of the public can attend on payment of a small entrance fee at the door. Current students are welcome too.
Friends is an association which aims at combining support of the Library’s special collections with an opportunity for interaction between College and the wider community. Through the provision of funds it makes possible purchases for Early Printed Books (defined as books published before 1920), manuscripts, music, the Map Library, and other research collections. Recently they supported the acquisition for Early Printed Books of a 500 volume collection of French poets of the inter-war period, so specially associated for Trinity with the
BooKSale 2011
TriniTy librAriAn honoured by the french government
The Booksale 2011 was held earlier this year, due to changes in College’s academic timetable and the late date of Easter. The supply of books has proved to be recession-proof although buyers’ wallets were a little lighter than in previous years. Nevertheless, by the second day, there was a constant stream of customers working their way steadily through the stock. In all, the sale raised €19,000, bringing the total raised by successive Booksales to over €415,000.
Dr Charles Benson M.A. (1967), Keeper of Early Printed Books and Special Collections in Trinity College Library.
The French Government has awarded the honour of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres to Dr Charles Benson M.A. (1967), Keeper of Early Printed Books and Special Collections in Trinity College Library. The Ordre was established in 1957 to recognise significant contributions to the diffusion and public appreciation of French culture. It was awarded to Dr Benson in recognition of his work in developing and promoting resources for the study of French in Trinity College. Dr Charles Benson has been Keeper of Early Printed Books and Special Collections in Trinity College Library since 1988 and is widely known as an historian of the early nineteenth century book trade in Dublin. Other recent recipients of this honour include the violinist André Rieu and the actor George Clooney.
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