Diocesan Library Project
Why funding is needed
The Diocese and the University have ambitious plans for the Library. The Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Library Project will restore the Library while simultaneously training up a team of book conservators and facilitating a range of outreach activities to encourage audiences of all age groups and interests to learn about the aspects of heritage represented in the collection.
The Project will employ a team of five staff for three and a half years to restore the books at a conservation centre to be based at Shantallow Library in Derry. It is planned that, once restored, the books will be accessible for display and study.
Outreach to Schools and History Groups
Learning activities will be tailored to enable groups and schools across Northern Ireland to learn about the Library and the historical stories it records. Groups will be welcome to visit the conservation centre to attend talks and to see conservation work in action. A website is planned and learning materials will be developed to bring to schools and groups as part of the project’s outreach plan, which will be carried out by an Access and Learning Officer attached to the Project.
Funding
A total of approximately £700,000 has been successfully secured for the project through mail campaigns, an Adopt A Book fundraising evening at the Magee Campus and applications to charitable foundations and other funding bodies.
Efforts are continuing in order to raise the outstanding target of £40,000.
All donors become valued members of the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Library Society. All Society members’ names will feature on book conservation boxes and on the Project’s Roll of Honour, which will be positioned at the Magee campus. The Roll is currently available to view online. Please see the Roll Of Honour section.