A Tale of Two Libraries

In the Boston Athenæum’s long history of collecting, one relationship stands out: the sharing of books between the London Library and the Athenæum, a cultural partnership that endured both World Wars. In the mid-20th century, the Athenæum hired an agent, Librarian Christopher Purnell of the London Library, for the purpose of compiling a list of works published by English authors to add to the collection. The Athenæum’s own librarian, Elinor Gregory, would annotate the list and send back the order. Their business correspondence reveals an institutional friendship whose scope extends beyond the realm of books.

This original theatrical presentation is based on decades of correspondence between the directors and librarians of the London Library and the Boston Athenæum. The surviving letters, which date from 1913 to 1945, tell a remarkable story of global cooperation and resilience in the face of great challenge.

Registration begins September 5 at 9 am.

To register, go to: https://bbd.bostonathenaeum.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=300
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The Athenæum's five galleried floors overlook the peaceful Granary Burying Ground, and, as Gamaliel Bradford wrote in 1931, "it is safe to say that [no library] anywhere has more an atmosphere of its own, that none is more conducive to intellectual aspiration and spiritual peace." The building was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

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