by admin | Jun 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
Work on our much anticipated extension has been under way for a few weeks now, and so far all seems to be going according to plan. The electricians have been busy and the fenced off construction area now houses a pair of smart site offices. Plenty of other work has been going on, in, under and behind the scenes, and we spent yesterday making preparations to ensure nothing in the present library building comes to harm amidst the construction. Unfortunately, this means that some areas of the library will be out of bounds for a while. We used all the man and woman power we could muster yesterday (thank you to all the helpers) and moved every last book out of the Jenner Room and into safe keeping downstairs. Some much used reference books from this part of the collection have been re-housed in the Reading Room, but the majority of our Cornish collection is now in storage. So, from now until mid-August, there will be no access to the following rooms: Jenner Room, Newspaper Archive, Archive Room & Duplicate Room. While we understand this is likely to be a potential problem for some of our members and visitors who use these particular parts of the library’s collection, we hope you can understand that the few months of disruption will be worth it when the building is complete, and thank you for your patience.
by admin | May 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
The library will be closed for a time over the Jubilee and June Bank Holiday period. Please note down in your diaries that we’ll close at 4pm on Wednesday 30th May and re-open at 10am on Wednesday 6th June.
We hope you all have fun celebrating the Jubilee and sorry for any inconvenience caused by closure.
by admin | May 24, 2012 | Uncategorized
Tribute to Mr Denis Myner, by Bob Harrison (Morrab Library Chairman)
It is with great sadness that we record the death of Denis Myner, retired architect of St Ives who has been associated with the Morrab Library for over forty years. His funeral took place on Wednesday 9th May 2012 at Longstone Chapel, Carbis Bay followed by internment. The library was well represented by trustees, committee, staff and members and afterwards many joined family and friends at the house of Mike and Sharon Higgins, his close friends and neighbours, for refreshments.
A wreath was laid on his grave with the following message – “In fond memory of a true friend and generous benefactor from the trustees, committee, staff and members of the Morrab Library”.
Denis’s health had been failing for some time so we were pleased that he was able to visit us at the library on Monday 23rd April to witness the start of the work on the extension and to meet many of the people involved with the project. Thanks to his generosity, and that of his late sister Patricia, he had established the Myner Trust which is funding the extension and securing our financial future for many years to come. Denis first envisioned the need to expand the premises and over the last fifteen years had championed the design of a sensitive extension and, despite a few setbacks, never relented in his quest.
Note: The actual work on the site is subject to a slight delay due to concern over the underpinning of the existing building. The issue is being addressed and we hope for good news shortly. Once started the work is expected to be completed within six months.
by admin | May 22, 2012 | Uncategorized
There’s a hint of summer in the air, and we’re once again holding our Grand Summer Raffle. Last year’s was a brilliant success, and we’re hoping to repeat that triumph with another, to be drawn at our Summer Fete on 16th June. We’ve again managed to get some fabulous art prizes, the first being an original Kurt Jackson oil painting. Second prize is an oil painting of a local scene by Ann Bull, third a piece of Norman Stuart Clarke Glassware, and fourth is a framed print by Ken Symons. There will also be plenty of other smaller prizes to be announced on the day. All the prizes are currently on display in the library, so do take a look next time you’re in, and don’t forget to pick up a ticket or two, or more! They’re just a pound each, so well worth the small investment. If you’d like to be extra supportive, we’d welcome more ticket sellers, so if you’re passing, and think you can sell some, pick up a few raffle books and alert your pals! All money rasied will go to the library.
by admin | Apr 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
The new extension is underway! Fences are up and and fencing, ready to be filled with machinery, and work has officially started. On Monday, there was a Ground-breaking ceremony, attended by committee, Cornwall council and, importantly, our generous benefactor Mr Myner. Mr Myner has been associated with the library for over 40 years, and is donating the proceeds of a legacy from his sister, Patricia, who died in 2010. With all the necessary approvals in place, work is due to be completed before the end of the year. We can’t wait to get the much needed extra book & work space, the lift (which will enable us to be much more accessible) and the new room for the photographic archive. We’ll keep you posted as things progress, and please bear with us during this time , we’re sure there will be little obstacles to overcome but are certain it’ll be worth it when we have our lovely new extension!
by admin | Apr 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
FISH SL 0001 (slide collection 2)
April’s offering from the slide collection is this delightful study of ‘The Fisher Boy’ with his oilskin smock and Sou’wester leaning against a wooden barrel on the newly completed section of the North Pier at Newlyn, circa 1890.
Behind him is the foreshore where small boats once landed the catches from the Mount’s Bay Luggers anchored in Gwavas Lake.
Stacked in the background are piles of barrels, boxes and fish baskets, on the site where later, in 1907-8, the Mackerel Market and the Harbour Offices were. Basket makers and Coopers worked all year round to sustain the demand.
Further back is the area referred to as ‘The Strand’ at Street-an-Nowan. The Coombe river was diverted behind the new pier to create this scene.
This shot is particularly special as it shows part of Newlyn and the harbour area captured in time – lots of changes were to be made to this area around the turn of the century.
