St. Paul Library 7-7-08

Photo above from www.StPauls.co.uk in About St. Paul's/Library

St. Paul's Cathedral is a monument, itself, to the history of the city of London. There has been a cathedral dedicated to St. Paul at the site since 604 AD, but the current one, designed by architect Christopher Wren was erected between the years 1675 and 1710. It was the site of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding.

The library is located on the triforia section, SW side of building. It consists of a main floor and a balcony section. The smell of dust, leather binding, and old books fills the air as the doors are opened. Mr. Wisdom, the librarian touring us tells us that a library is created from the combination of 3 things: books, people, and a building. He does not consider computers a part of that, although, he notes, they are necessary for research assistance. The arched ceiling "tents" the library, so that it creates an environment more conducive for thinking. The columns lining the room have books, fruit, wheat, and other items carved into them. Some are so detailed that the books lying open have carved pages.

They are currently monitoring the collection for environmental impact, for preservation purposes. Most of the collection consists of liturgies, sermons, and bibles, but there is some Newton, Greek classics, science, medicine, art and law. He points out that there are quite a few duplicates due to the fact that they indicate different important aspects of the society at the time they are used...particularly things that are left in the books.

Although the library is not open to public access, the public can use it by emailing or phoning the library with research questions. The collection is organized by size and slight subject organization. The collection is searched through a database and kept up with by shelf-lists and past catalogs. The books are labeled with call numbers/shelf marks which list their designated bookcase and shelf.

The last thing that Mr. Wisdom points out is a 13th or 14th century prayer book that has been "conserved," (meaning to make the item as good as possible while actually changing as little as possible). He points out the woodworm damage on the cover and notes that the leather has been replaced in some places. He tells us that it is very important to them that they keep items in their collection in as original condition as possible, because all of the aspects of the items are important.

More information about the St. Paul Cathedral's Library can be found at: http://www.stpauls.co.uk/page.aspx?theLang=001lngdef&pointerID=27433oOH1QXTGfJUU5XiLE4TBvERKbu0