BofA Merrill Lynch Announces Support for Trinity College Dublin Library

Since 2010, Bank of America Merrill Lynch has provided grants to museums in 27 countries supporting 71 conservation projects. Once conserved, the manuscripts will be made available via TCD Library’s digital collections and exhibited alongside the Book of Kells, the Book of Durrow, and the Book of Armagh at TCD Library.

The grant will fund the treatment, technical examination, digitization, and art historical study of four of TCD Library’s most important early medieval Irish manuscripts: the Codex Usserianius Primus, the Garland of Howth, the Book of Dimma, and the Book of Mulling. These, along with the Book of Kells, the Book of Durrow, and the Book of Armagh, make up the library’s preeminent collection of early Christian book art.

“Our Art Conservation Project is designed not only to conserve artworks and highlight the need for preserving artistic and historical treasures but also to educate communities and convey respect for the varied cultures and traditions throughout the world,”  said Andrea Sullivan, head of corporate social responsibility for EMEA at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Trinity College builds on its four-hundred-year tradition of scholarship to confirm its position as one of the great universities in the world. It provides a liberal environment where independence of thought is highly valued, staff and students are nurtured as individuals, and students are encouraged to achieve their full potential.

About Trinity College Dublin Library

Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Library is one of Ireland’s most prestigious and significant libraries and is renowned globally for its extensive collections and historical significance. Here’s an overview of what makes TCD Library remarkable:

Overview:

**1. Historical Significance:

• Founded in 1592: The library dates back to the establishment of Trinity College Dublin by Queen Elizabeth I.
• Legal Deposit Library: Since 1801, it has been a legal deposit library, entitling it to a copy of every book published in Ireland and the United Kingdom, significantly expanding its collection.

**2. Collections and Resources:

• Books and Manuscripts: The library holds over six million printed volumes and a vast collection of manuscripts, maps, and music covering various subjects.
• The Book of Kells: One of the library’s most famous treasures, this illuminated manuscript of the Gospels dating from the 9th century attracts numerous visitors.
• Digital Collections: The library provides extensive digital resources, including online databases, e-books, and digitized manuscripts.

**3. Facilities and Services:

• The Long Room: The main chamber of the Old Library, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance, housing around 200,000 of the library’s oldest books.
• Reading Rooms: Various reading rooms offer spaces for students, researchers, and academics to study and access resources.
• Special Collections: The library’s special collections include rare books, manuscripts, and unique archives of historical and cultural significance.

**4. Research and Scholarship:

• Support for Academic Research: The library supports Trinity College Dublin’s academic and research activities, providing access to an extensive range of academic journals, books, and other resources.
• Exhibitions and Events: Regular exhibitions, lectures, and events are hosted to showcase the library’s collections and promote scholarly research.

**5. Access and Membership:

• Students and Staff: All Trinity College Dublin students and staff can access the library’s resources and facilities.
• External Members: Access can also be granted to external researchers, scholars, and the public under certain conditions, often requiring membership or special permission.

**6. Technological Advancements:

• Digital Library Initiatives: The library continually expands its digital offerings, ensuring that valuable resources are accessible online to a global audience.
• Library Catalogues and Databases: Advanced search systems and databases make it easier for users to find and access the necessary resources.

Key Points of Interest:

• The Book of Kells: Displayed in a dedicated exhibition, this medieval manuscript is considered one of the greatest artifacts of the Early Christian period.
• The Long Room: Known for its impressive architecture and historical ambiance, it is one of the most iconic library spaces in the world.
• Research Collections: The library’s extensive special collections, which include early printed books and modern archival materials, support various scholarly research.

Trinity College Dublin Library stands as a cornerstone of academic excellence, preserving historical treasures while supporting contemporary scholarship and learning. Its rich history, vast collections, and commitment to research make it a vital resource for scholars and an iconic institution in academia.