King George V gift on display at Central Library
2 March 2010
A silver, gilt and malachite paperweight model of Central Library, given to King George V more than 75 years ago to mark the building’s opening, has returned to the library.
It has returned for a very special archive exhibition, ahead of the library's temporary closure for refurbishment.
On 17 July 1934, thousands of people lined the streets to witness King George V open Central Library, where he was presented with the paperweight model to mark the occasion. This has now been borrowed by Manchester City Council from the Royal Collection at St James' Palace and features in Get Wisdom, an exhibition of archives, newsreel footage, photographs and personal stories of the library, which is on display from 1 until 31 March 2010.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council's executive member for culture and leisure said: "This is a really historic moment in the library's history. It has served the city incredibly well for more than 75 years and is now undergoing improvements to restore its original design features, create more space for the thousands of books held here and install services compatible with twenty first century users. We're delighted that we are allowed to include the King's paperweight as part of the closing exhibition honouring the library's great history while looking ahead to its future."
Local people are also being asked to share their stories and pictures for the exhibition as part of an illustration of the significance that Central Library has in the city. Perhaps it's where you made an amazing discovery, read something life-changing or met the love of your life. Whatever your connection to the library, add your story by emailing archiveslocalstudies@manchester.gov.uk or upload your pictures at www.flickr.com/groups/getwisdom
Central Library will close to the public in June, with a temporary library opening at Elliot House on Deansgate (Lloyd St. junction opposite the Royal Bank of Scotland) in July for the duration of the refurbishment, which will be completed in 2013.
The restoration works will restore the iconic building and will create an adjoining, ultra-modern city centre community library in the Town Hall extension.
The archive exhibition is open 1 - 31 March 2010, first floor exhibition area, Central Library, St Peter's Square.
