Article Reflection No. 11 (5/28/2022)

Article: An Irish National Treasure Gets Set for a Long-Needed Restoration

Photo Credit: The New York Times

In this overview of plans for the infamous Old Library at Trinity College Dublin, Ed O’Loughlin explains the sequence of events that will, for the sake of book conservation, unfold in the next few years. In use since the 18th century, the Old Library wished to minimize potential damage, which had been placed as a priority through the 2019 fire at Notre Dame. Thankfully, a total of 90 million euros ($95 million) had been donated for this prudent preparation, with the Irish government donating 25 million euros while colleges and private philanthropists contributing 65 million euros. According to O’Loughlin, “much of the effort will be focused on conserving the historic worked wood that makes up much of the library’s interior and the frames of its windows, as well as improving fireproofing and environmental controls needed to protect the valuable book collection” (O’Loughlin 1). In fact, library staff are considering installing new technology for the most archaic section of the library, the Long Room, such as misty water sprayers instead of sprinklers.

Because this article discussed both books and forms of technology, I immediately recalled the novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Although technology is widely used in both Bradbury’s book and the modern world, books are regarded as sacred, historical artifacts here. In Fahrenheit 451, they are regarded as dangerous, unnecessary objects. Books are items that are so precious, millions of dollars are willingly contributed for their conservation. I can imagine the protagonist’s brainwashed wife, Mildred, laughing incessantly at this prospect.

Over 700,000 books, O’Loughlin writes, will be relocated into a safer place off-campus. To describe this process, the journalist shares how each book is “dusted with a specially modified vacuum cleaner…measured…[undergoes a] physical condition [noting], and…[has its] details checked under the Long Room’s catalog, written in 1872” (O’Loughlin 1). I never considered the process behind preserving books, so the meticulousness behind it is intriguing. I infer that people who are both responsible and have collected, calm minds are those selected for this important responsibility. It also amazes me how much history these ancient artifacts have lived through.