Volunteers are wanted for a project in the Chapter Library. A rare opportunity to discover the collection while preserving it for future generations!
The Chapter Library has been part of the College of St George since at least the 1350s, soon after its foundation by Edward III. Today the Library is home to an extraordinary collection of almost 6000 rare printed books, published between the 1480s and the late-eighteenth century. These include texts on theology, history, geography, science and literature from all over the world, showcasing some of the finest work of the developing printing presses of the period.
It is essential for the library’s long-term preservation and future use that the books are kept free from the build-up of dust and pests. This autumn, we are seeking three volunteers to work together on a project to carefully clean each individual volume and the shelving units of the library.
Volunteers will need to be available on Fridays between 10am and 4pm, starting from 8 November. The project is expected to last for at least four months. Any volunteers who are not already pass holders will have to be security cleared by the Windsor Castle Pass Office.
Many of these rare books have become fragile through centuries of use. The work requires patience and delicate handling; training in this will be provided and the project will be led by a fourth volunteer, a professionally trained conservator.
Please note that the work is physically active: volunteers must be comfortable with climbing stairs, lifting sometimes heavy volumes and working on their feet. The bulk of the work will be carried out in the library strong rooms, which are unheated for the benefit of the books.
To find out more, or to apply to join this project, please contact Archivist & Chapter Librarian Kate McQuillian on [email protected] or 01753 848725 by Tuesday 22 October.
Throughout the project you will be able to find updates on the progress, discoveries and challenges met by our volunteers on this blog.
