On 11 April 2003, the Ussher Library (technically, the James Ussher Library & Glucksman Conservation Department) was opened by the then President, Mary McAleese. Like the Berkeley, it had been the subject of an international competition, launched in 1997. Construction had begun in 1999.
#12 Meet the Chair-men
Students sat at the chrome-and-leatherette desks in the Berkeley may be interested to know that these are original features, built at the Ardee Chair Factory in 1967 and then assembled on site, as the library began operations.
Last week we were delighted to welcome two of the craftsmen responsible for the construction and installation of the desks.
Continue reading “#12 Meet the Chair-men”#11 A Soft Day
One of the key hopes of this site was to pull together images and stories from the public around the Berkeley. This week we are delighted to feature photography from Alan Harrison (varjakpaul on Instagram). His other shots, many of which feature Dublin and Trinity, are well worth viewing. Continue reading “#11 A Soft Day”
#10 Thank You For Not Smoking
Fire is the traditional enemy of books – from the repeated destructions of the Great Library of Alexandria, up to modern disasters such as the second Gulf War. No wonder then, that the Bodleian Library in Oxford requires readers to swear:
not to bring into the Library or kindle therein any fire or flame, and not to smoke in the Library.
#8 Launching Berkeley50
This week, the Berkeley50 programme of events was officially launched by the Provost, Patrick Prendergast. You can read the Provost’s speech here. Continue reading “#8 Launching Berkeley50”
#7 Musical Chairs – The Music Library’s Sojourns in the Berkeley
Our Music Librarian, Roy Stanley, gives a brief account of the award-winning Music Library…
Almost from the moment it opened in 1967 the New Library was being adapted for new uses as the needs of the College changed.
The Music Library was first set up as a distinct unit within the Library in 1971, using two rooms in the ‘Library Annexe’ – an area of the basement in the Berkeley Library with a separate side entrance opposite the Museum Building. Continue reading “#7 Musical Chairs – The Music Library’s Sojourns in the Berkeley”