Image credit: Ian Maginess. Click for details.
Featured at the official completion of the Library’s Endowment Appeal from left: Dr Paul Mullan (Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund), Mrs Susan Crowe (Chairperson of Ulster Garden Villages Limited), Archbishop John McDowell (Chairman of the Library’s Governors and Guardians), Mr Brian Acheson (Chairperson of the Library’s Development Advisory Committee), Mrs Caroline Armstrong (Chief Executive Officer of Ulster Garden Villages Limited) and the Very Revd Shane Forster (Keeper of Armagh Robinson Library).
Image credit: Ian Maginess. Click for details.
Featured with Archbishop McDowell are representatives of the funders, staff members and volunteers who worked on the Adopt a Book/Shelf initiative.
Armagh Robinson Library’s Endowment Appeal has been successfully completed! The Library’s Governors and Guardians and staff members are most grateful for the support from so many people and of the two funders, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Ulster Garden Villages Ltd.
The project Safeguarding and sharing the treasures of the past for the enjoyment and enlightenment of everyone, aimed to raise funds to help secure the Library’s future well beyond its 250th anniversary which was celebrated in 2021.
Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has meant that all donations from other sources have been matched £1 for £1. This has included a donation from Ulster Garden Villages which contributed 10% of the overall amount raised by the Library itself.
As a result, with the support of funders and individuals, the amount of £1,022,360 has been raised to endow and support Armagh Robinson Library.
Often described as a gem within the Georgian architecture in the city of Armagh, Armagh Robinson Library was founded in 1771 by Archbishop Richard Robinson. Not only did its founder cover the costs of the building itself, he also paid for approximately 8,000 books to start the collection, which has grown over the centuries. The Library now has more than 46,000 items in its collection, covering a wide range of subjects from science and mathematics, to literature, history, travel and music, to name but some.
During the fund-raising period individuals and organisations were encouraged to adopt a book or a shelf in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special anniversary. This has proved so successful that the initiative is being continued by the Library.
A local bakery did us proud by baking a very tasty cake, which carried all the funders logos as a thank you!
Speaking at the event to mark the completion of the endowment appeal, Dr Paul Mullan, Director, Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said,
We are pleased that our endowment provision has encouraged philanthropy and raised funds that will benefit the Armagh Robinson Library and help secure a more sustainable future for the unique collection.
Our new Heritage 2033 strategy includes a commitment to organisational sustainability, strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies. We will continue to offer funding to build resilience, providing organisations with capacity and expertise to develop their long-term organisational and financial plans.
The Chairperson of Ulster Garden Villages Limited, Mrs Susan Crowe, said,
We are delighted to lend our support in protecting and enhancing one of Northern Ireland’s most important library buildings and the historic collection therein. This is a reminder of how important the collections are and the need to preserve the treasures and ensure that they are accessible for all to enjoy.
Mr Brian Acheson, Chairperson of the Library’s Development Advisory Committee, whose members were involved in the raising of the funds, added,
Our committee comprised members and volunteers from diverse backgrounds and from across the British Isles. Our programme, events and outreach have enriched our understanding and enjoyment of this cultural treasure. My hope is that the ideas and relationships established during the campaign will endure and promote further flourishing of the Library’s purpose.
