I first applied to do work experience at the Morrab Library in December last year. I was nervous at first, although I was excited to secure the place at this prestigious library- hidden away in the vibrant Morrab Gardens. My main interests are History & English, this is also another reason why the Morrab Library is an incredible place, with an extensive collection of books for any subject that you show interest in. It also has an extensive amount of historic photos and pieces of artwork- some available to view and study.
As soon as I arrived I was greeted with a warm smile as usual from Lisa, and was made to feel very welcome instantly. Clear guidance and information was provided and then I was straight off to start work. I started off with two experienced volunteers, both called Jane. I learnt a bit about the Dewey cataloging system, both Janes were very au fait with this and provided useful guidance to help familiarise myself with it and how spine labels worked, which are used in the Morrab Library to shelve books in the correct order and genre. I also got to catalogue my essay on ‘Cornwall At War’, which will be kept at the Morrab Library for the future to come. Later that day I was fortunate enough to take a trip down to the archive with Maggie, another wonderful volunteer, familiar with the archive environment. I helped to filter through sources used to write a book about the Bronte Family- then I assisted in the covering, wrapping and shelving of an aged and precious painting.
It is interesting to observe how the library still uses stamps and book tags to check books in/out. It’s an old but reliable system that has been trusted for many generations. It’s also one of the factors which separates this library from all of the others. It’s the little things which people notice and make a difference in this vast world.
I ventured upstairs to another location I had not yet had the chance to see, the Photo Archive. This is where the team scans, and upload historic photos, even post cards and more! Currently there are over 17,000 photos on the online Morrab Library photo archive. I learnt the precious skill of scanning, editing and describing the artefacts on the site. That morning I worked with Ashley who is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour, we both had a good laugh together! The archive is such a significant part of the Morrab Library, as it represents the history from all around Cornwall which otherwise would possibly never be seen!
On Friday, my penultimate day, I spent the morning in the basement in the Conservation room, where books are taken to be repaired if they are fragile or broken. This means that they can still be accessed and viewed for future generations. I felt very privileged to view a 1914 edition of the Illustrated London News, showing me a piece of history preserved right here in Penzance. I had the opportunity to do a small spine repair on a damaged book using specialised paper to match up the colours, and glue to ensure it does not break again. I also witnessed how they price and choose whether to keep or sell books to raise money for the library. Depending on whether they have a duplicate in stock or whether they have been taken out on loan recently- all of these are significant factors in ensuring that the Morrab has a wide variety of literature available.
All of the volunteers and staff are equally as knowledgeable and cordial as each other, every one of them I personally want to thank for taking me in and taking the time to teach me new skills and valuable lessons that will stay with me for life. In particular, I have Lisa Di Tommaso to thank for this tremendous experience. From the very start when we joined as members, she has always been warm, welcoming, and is a great person to have a laugh with. I would say that she is the mum of the Library, bringing a smile to everyone, even to the people who have had the worst of days.
Coby Smart, Year 10.
