Forthcoming Events
The RBSCG organizes regular events, including an annual conference, workshops, and visits.
Annual Study Conference 2009
Members' Summer visit to John Rylands Library, Friday 14th August 2009
A free visit to the John Rylands Library, Manchester, which reopened in 2007 after a four-year period of refurbishment funded by a Heritage Lottery Grant. John Rylands (1801-1888) was an entrepreneur, philanthropist and owner at one time of the largest textile manufacturing business in the UK. On his death, his wife purchased a site on Deansgate in the heart of Manchester and commissioned Sir Basil Champneys to design a library. The building, constructed in local Cumbrian stone and considered one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic, originally housed a collection of about 40,000 books, including the Althorp Library purchased by Mrs Enriqueta Rylands from Earl Spencer in 1892. It now serves as the Special Collections Division of the John Rylands University Library and houses some of the most significant books and manuscripts ever produced, including the Gutenberg Bible, the St. Christopher Woodcut, an impressive collection of Caxton’s printings (including The Recuyell of the HIstories of Troye - the first book to be printed in English), the complete publications of the Kelmscott Press, personal papers of distinguished historical figures such as Elizabeth Gaskell and John Wesley, and a fragment of St John’s Gospel – considered the earliest surviving fragment of the New Testament in any language.
The main part of the visit will begin at 2pm. However, earlier arrivals will be able to view the current Library exhibition on Charles Darwin from 10am, when the Library opens. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Booking Form for visit (Word, 36 kb)
Annual Study Conference 2009
A Special Relationship? Special Collections and the Antiquarian Book and MSS Trade
Clare College, Cambridge: 9-11 September
The book trade has been closely associated with the growth of libraries, but it has not always been an easy relationship. The conference offers an opportunity to examine and discuss issues concerning libraries and the antiquarian book trade, including acquisitions, donations, valuations, theft and the sale of library materials.
Conference 2009 Programme (pdf, 158 kb)
Conference 2009 Booking Form (Word, 51 kb)
Bursaries (pdf, 27 KB)
Updated: 29 June 2009