Armagh Robinson Library has over 40,000 literary gems – from medieval Books of Hours and early editions of the Bible to classic literature, books on science, mathematics, art, music and travel. It’s a truly international collection with works in over eight languages including highly prized texts in Irish. One of the collection stars is Jonathan Swift’s own annotated copy of Gulliver’s Travels, dating from 1726.
The Drelincourt School was founded in 1738 by the widow of Peter Drelincourt, who came from Northern France to make Armagh his home. The infant primary school is sponsoring a 1699 theological book written in French by Peter’s father, Charles Drelincourt and published in Amsterdam.
Archbishop John McDowell, Chairman of the Library’s Governors and Guardians, said,
“The Library is an important cultural asset for the City of Armagh, indeed for the whole of Ireland. Archbishop Robinson may have founded the Library in the eighteenth century, yet it is up to every generation to sustain it and find new ways to make it relevant in their lives.
“I can think of nothing more fitting than for the children of the Drelincourt School to be the first to support this important scheme to augment Robinson’s endowment. Book and shelf adoption will allow everyone who visits and appreciates the Library to establish their own personal bond with this special place and ensure that it continues to benefit future generations.”
From £50 to £1,000 and a little extra for some of its ‘star’ books, there are several ‘Adopt-a-Book’ options to choose from. Donations can be made at the Library or online at armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk/adopt.
For more details visit Armagh Robinson Library website: armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk/adopt, email admin@armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk or call the team on 028 3752 3142. Or check out the Library’s social media channels on: ArmRLib and ArmaghRobinsonLibraryNo5 and its YouTube channel.
P1/P2 pupils Nikola, Igor, Angela, Bjorn and Tsetsa examining some of the Library’s books including the book the school is sponsoring, a 1699 theological text written in French by school founder Peter Drelincourt’s father, Charles and published in Amsterdam.