I was really pleased when my colleague Elizabeth kindly agreed to do a guest post about her involvement with the Friends of the Chester Beatty Library. The library is well worth going to see with lots to delight the visitor and free admission so you can also take in a visit to Dublin Castle; that is if you can tear yourself away from the magic treasures this library holds. Lonely Planet described it as not just the best museum in Ireland, but one of the best in Europe, the Chester Beatty Library is a must-see on any Dublin visitor’s itinerary. (Chester Beatty Library Website) Please enjoy Elizabeth’s account of her experience over the years.
Bhavanidas.Emperor Awrangzib Receives Prince Mu’azzam, ca. 1707-12, Chester Beatty Library, Dublin http://bit.ly/1mjhVjg Photo: (Chester Beatty Library)
***Posted on behalf of Elizabeth Murphy, The Library, NUI Maynooth***
Following the advice of my mother to visit as many cultural institutions while a student in Dublin, I visited the Chester Beatty Library as a welcome escape from studies. At the time, it was located in its original and purpose-built premises in leafy Shrewsbury Road. I was totally bowled over by the variety, quality and multicultural nature of the material on display. Later as a Trainee Librarian there, I had seen the breadth and depth of the collections first hand. My relationship continued with the Library when I became involved in the Friends of the Chester Beatty Library, at one point serving on the Committee as Secretary. Now the Chester Beatty Library is magnificently housed in the Clock Tower building in Dublin Castle and the Friends or Members as they are now, is run by Chester Beatty Library staff. For anyone with a broad interest in the visual arts, including fabulously produced printed books from all ages, the Chester Beatty Library, is a wonderful destination and an oasis in the city. Being a member offers lots of opportunities to learn about the collections and their wider contexts, the history of the book and to meet new people. Click here for more details.
Library Staff Development 