Mr Harry Carson MBE has retired from the position of Lay Governor and Guardian of Armagh Robinson Library after many years of involvement in and enthusiasm for the Library.
Harry was employed in the Public Service in Northern Ireland for forty-two years, and retired as Chief Librarian of the Southern Education and Library Board in January 1990. During that time, he served as President of the Library Association of Ireland, which later awarded him an Honorary Fellowship. He also gained an Honorary Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
In 1990 Harry was appointed Deputy Keeper of the eighteenth-century library in Armagh, to work with the then Keeper, the Very Revd Herbert Cassidy, and held that position until 1998. In 1991 he was invited to serve as one of the Library’s Lay Governors and Guardians and has done so until his retirement this month.
Harry has been involved in many areas of the life of the Library, engaged in seeking funding for projects, encouraging and leading people to give of their time in a voluntary capacity for the Library, attending many events, serving as a member of the Library Advisory Group, and not forgetting the many Governors and Guardians’ meetings which he has attended and contributed to over the years.
When asked what he would remember of his time as a Deputy Keeper and a Governor and Guardian, Harry replied, “I am delighted with the condition and standing of the Library today, in comparison to what it was when I joined twenty-nine years ago.”
All involved in the Library thanked Harry for his contributions and loyalty to the Library. A presentation was made to him to mark his retirement, however, the good news is that Harry will remain as one of the Library’s volunteers!
Image credits: Ian Maginess
