Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesBritish Library @britishlibrary.bsky.social · 22/09/2026We’re delighted to announce Dr Paul Bate as the British Library’s new Chief Executive Joining us from the UK Space Agency, Paul brings experience supporting world-class research communities. We look forward to welcoming his expertise at the Library. Read the full announcement here link.bl.uk/fc6 13813
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesHerschel Museum of Astronomy @herschelmuseum.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Photology: John Herschel, Henry Talbot and Early Photography celebrates Sir John Herschel’s pioneering contribution to the birth of photography 🔭📷 Discover how his scientific curiosity helped shape early photographic processes. 031
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 18/09/2026This summer the Wordsworth Trust has been celebrating the arrival of a new acquisition: three letters by William Wordsworth. Acquired with the help of an FNL grant covering 90% of the cost, they are a significant addition to the collection. Find out more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgXD...youtube.comThree newly acquired William Wordsworth letters reveal new insights into his lifeYouTube video by Wordsworth Grasmere 030
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesGlamorgan Archives Archifau Morgannwg @glamarchives.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Teachers! Did you know that Glamorgan Archives offers FREE class visits? We have workshops on a range of themes, all with a local focus on your cynefin. Get in touch to find out more! glamarchives.gov.uk/visiting-us/... 015
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesArchives and Records Association UK and Ireland @araukie.bsky.social · 08/09/2026Shakespeare's Globe has a vacancy for a Library and Archive co-ordinator (permanent/part-time) - details on the recordkeeping careers hub here recordkeeping-careers.org/job/library-...recordkeeping-careers.orgLibrary & Archive Co-ordinator at Shakespeare’s Globe - Recordkeeping Careers 032
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesMelinda Haunton @melindahaunton.bsky.social · 19/08/2026Raised in meetings today: this excellent toolkit on deposited collections, created by @scotsarchives.bsky.social with Kazky Ltd: www.scottisharchives.org.uk/support-and-.... Scottish law does differ but there is a huge amount here to support archives across the UK managing non-gifted collections.scottisharchives.org.ukDeposited Collections Toolkit - Scottish Council on Archives 0158
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesRoyal Berkshire Archives @berksarchives.bsky.social · 19/08/2026We've been busy getting ready for our Heritage Open Days tour here at the RBA! Here's a little sneak peak of some items you might see if you're coming along! 📖 #HeritageOpenDays 093
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesThe Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) @themerl.bsky.social · 19/08/2026So, we found a live bat in our galleries. 🦇 a thread🦇 572614649
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesFalmouth & Exeter Uni Archives @fxuniarchives.bsky.social · 12/08/2026Applications to be our Archives and Special Collections Officer close this Sunday (16th August). If you're interesting in joining our team and helping staff, students and the public to access our wonderful collections, we'd like to hear from you! jobs.falmouth.ac.uk/vacancies/18...jobs.falmouth.ac.ukArchives & Special Collections Officer in Penryn Campus | Falmouth CareersView details and apply for this Archives & Special Collections Officer vacancy in Penryn Campus. We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Archives & Special Collections Officer to join our Ar... 043
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesSuffolk Archives @suffolkarchives.bsky.social · 06/08/2026We've loads planned for Heritage Open Days, 12-13 September. Explore some of the diaries in our collections at a pop-up archival showcase. Enjoy talks, take a behind-the-scenes tour, or try the ancient Japanese paper marbling techniques of Suminagashi or "floating ink". #HODs2026 #IpswichEvents 001
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesBexley Archives @bexleyarchives.bsky.social · 06/08/2026Join our guided walk of Victorian Sidcup on 19 Sept 2.30-4pm with Archives Officer Penny Duggan as we consider the enormous changes that took place 1837-1901 and reflect on the lives of the people who lived there. Tickets £5. To book your place please visit us or email archives@bexley.gov.uk 042
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 05/08/2026Us too! Jackie Kay’s archive was acquired by @natlibscot.bsky.social with the help of a grant from @thefnl.bsky.social ! 041
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 05/08/2026Wonderful. We've been able to help @exeterunispeccoll.bsky.social with two grants for du Maurier material - most significantly collection of letters and lit. drafts formerly owned by Maureen and Monty Baker-Munton. That was in 2019 - here's some info. grants.fnl.org.uk/collection-l...grants.fnl.org.ukA collection of the letters, literary drafts and notebooks of Daphne du Maurier | Friends of the National Libraries 020
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesExplore York Archive @yorkarchive.bsky.social · 31/07/2026We're Hiring! 2 Archives Positions: - Project Archivist: Fixed-term, 12 months, full-time. - Explore Centre Team Leader – Archives: Permanent, full-time. Apply by 9am, 10th August. More info and application link in comments. #archives #jobs 027
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesDavid Prosser @davidprosser.bsky.social · 30/07/2026York is recruiting a new Director of Library, Archives and Learning Services & University Librarian. Details at: jobs.york.ac.uk/vacancy/dire...jobs.york.ac.ukJobs - The University of York 025
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesSuffolk Archives @suffolkarchives.bsky.social · 27/07/2026We've still some spaces for this archivist-led tour of The Hold Ipswich - including a visit to our conservation studio. It lasts about 90mins. There's an access ramp in the public areas and chances to sit. Book orlo.uk/eHtBg 011
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesFalmouth & Exeter Uni Archives @fxuniarchives.bsky.social · 27/07/2026We are seeking an Archives & Special Collections Officer to join our team at the Penryn Campus! This is an exciting opportunity to support archives and special collections services across Falmouth University and @cornwall.exeter.ac.uk. Apply now via the link in our bio. Applications close 16 Aug. 0510
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesKatie Birkwood @girlinthe.bsky.social · 21/07/2026In things I wish I hadn't seen, but now I have and you will too... New research published in the Journal of the Institute of Conservation recommends PPE for handling all red rot because of the risk of heavy metal contamination (lead, arsenic, cadmium). #GLAMS 📚 www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....tandfonline.com 153725
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 16/07/2026Delighted to have enabled Dorset History Centre to acquire this Royal inspeximus charter of Edward II (1284-1327), 1313 relating to Forde Abbey, Dorset. A rare document and an important addition to the collections. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukKing's 1313 royal charter to Forde Abbey joins county archivesThe 700-year-old parchment document from Edward II details privileges for the monks of Forde Abbey. 0114
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesDr Alison Ray @liber-ray.bsky.social · 15/07/2026A fantastic @amarc.bsky.social Summer Meeting today on Welsh estate records hosted by @ystadaucymru.bsky.social and the @bangoruniversity.bsky.social archive collections team! 📜🏴🎉 0225
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesThe National Manuscripts Conservation Trust, aka NMCT @thenmct.bsky.social · 14/07/2026And thank you from @thenmct.bsky.social too! Our annual report also features all conservation grants last year and has a focus on long term benefits plus some of our partnerships that greatly increase what we can achieve. Our AR is a stunner too! (admittedly thanks to the same brilliant designer) 011
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 14/07/2026Thank you for spreading the word! Our annual report has short features on every one of the grants awarded in 2025. It’s also rather beautiful and a good read (I know I’m biased but I am only telling it like it is!). 050
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesKat @byekitty.bsky.social · 09/07/2026when you’re doodling in meetings but you’re William Morris 616138
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesMelinda Haunton @melindahaunton.bsky.social · 03/07/2026This just *keeps* happening to us. (This is a great, great story, about brilliant work in the now and fascinating print diffusion in the past. Come and see the exhibition which is STUFFED with this kind of story.) 03712
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesBuckinghamshire Archives @bucksarchives.bsky.social · 16/06/2026Let's talk about mass trespass. 1634090
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesThe John Rylands Library @thejohnrylands.bsky.social · 31/05/2026Happy birthday to Enriqueta Rylands! Enriqueta Rylands founded the library in memory of her husband. She decided to establish a new library for the people of Manchester. To create the library, she spent about £1 million (over £100 million today). Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Free entry, 0236
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesLibrary of the Royal Irish Academy @rialibrary.bsky.social · 29/05/2026It is the last Friday of the month, which means the Cathach of Columcille (RIA MS 12 R 33) is on display from 10am - 4.30pm. The Cathach is the oldest extant Irish manuscript of the Psalter and very likely the earliest example of the form of Irish writing known as insular majuscule script. 18332
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesBob MacLean @bobmaclean.bsky.social · 21/05/2026I love this category of typographic blunder. I blogged about my favourite one of these I’ve seen: universityofglasgowlibrary.wordpress.com/2016/08/23/b...universityofglasgowlibrary.wordpress.comBad GrammaireSomething is very strange about this titlepage. Amusingly so. Can you see what it is? During printing the second “M” of the second word in the title, “GRAMMAIRE”, must accidentally have been omitte… 075
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 18/05/2026A rare source of grants for digitisation for archives across the UK - closing date **5th June**. 022
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesExplore York Archive @yorkarchive.bsky.social · 18/05/2026🚨We are hiring🚨 We are recruiting for 2x Archivist posts: Archivist (Access and Engagement) - fixed-term until March 2028. Project Archivist (Setting the Record Straight) - fixed-term, 12 months. To find out more about the roles and apply take a look at our website⬇️. #archives #jobs 21217
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesMuseums Association @museumsassociation.org · 12/05/2026News | Site of first smallpox vaccinations to reopen after restoration work Temple of Vaccinia at Dr Jenner's House museum was added to the Heritage at Risk Register last yearmuseumsassociation.orgSite of first smallpox vaccinations to reopen after restoration work - Museums AssociationTemple of Vaccinia at Dr Jenner’s House museum was added to the Heritage at Risk Register last year 06534
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 08/05/2026Acquired with the support of a grant from @thefnl.bsky.social! This wonderful manuscript features in our 2025 Annual Report which will be out at the end of this month. 030
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesTina Morton @tmmorton.bsky.social · 01/05/2026Thank you to those who have completed the UK Archive Sector Survey 2026! For those that haven’t yet, please do tinyurl.com/UK-Archive-S... The evidence helps us to advocate & demonstarte the social and economic importance of archives to funders & stakeholderstinyurl.comTake part in the 2026 survey - Archives sectorThe annual UK Archive Sector Survey is now open and will be closing on Friday 29 May 2026. The National Archives delivers this comprehensive survey every year in partnership with National Records of S... 002
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 30/04/2026What a terrific opportunity! careers.kew.org/vacancy/arch...careers.kew.orgArchives Graduate Trainee - Careers | Kew GardensThe Archives and Records Management team forms part of the Library and Archives department. Archive staff manage Kew’s historic record of activities, as well as collections and other documents relatin... 034
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesRoyal Berkshire Archives @berksarchives.bsky.social · 29/04/2026Our #ArchiveFuture looks bright, we will be starting work on our extension in earnest very soon, hoping to get it finished by the end of 2027 and ready to take in even more records in 2028! #Archive30 1123
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesUCL Special Collections @uclspeccoll.bsky.social · 27/04/2026Are you a student in London with a collection of printed or handwritten materials you’re proud of? Apply for the Anthony Davis Book Collecting Prize by 25 May for a chance to win £600! Photo: stamp album covers from Penny James’ collection, 2025’s runner up. www.ucl.ac.uk/library/coll... 0812
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 27/04/2026**JOB KLAXON!** What a fantastic opportunity! www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DRH302/c...jobs.ac.ukCurator of Dr Williams's Library at The University of ManchesterDiscover professional service job openings, including the Curator of Dr Williams's Library role, on jobs.ac.uk. Apply today for more information on this position. 0713
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesHerschel Museum of Astronomy @herschelmuseum.bsky.social · 20/04/2026The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is dedicated to the achievements of William and Caroline Herschel. This brother and sister duo were distinguished astronomers and talented musicians. It was from this house that William discovered Uranus in 1781. #herschelmuseum #bathuk #spacelovers #bathmuseums 0195
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesThe National Manuscripts Conservation Trust, aka NMCT @thenmct.bsky.social · 20/04/2026Great blog highlighting Jiwon Jeong's work on on 2 NMCT-funded projects. Jiwon, new graduate from the Cardiff was employed as Project Conservator at @newalesarchives.bsky.social on the projects. The one for @gladlib.bsky.social is complete & this 2nd soon will be. archives.wales/2025/11/29/b...archives.walesBoots, Bricks and Gunpowder: a 19th Century Waybill Book reflecting life in the Glyn Valley, Denbighshire - Archives WalesOn the first day of Explore Your Archive week, we are highlighting the work that goes into the conservation of archives and manuscripts. At North East Wales Archives we have received a grant from the ... 023
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 17/04/2026Thank you so much to @camlibresearch.bsky.social @theulspeccoll.bsky.social @liamsims.bsky.social @kingscollege.bsky.social for generously hosting our FNL group and showing a varied and fascinating range of manuscripts and books - some acquired with our support. A really memorable day for everyone! 040
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesOwen Garling @ojgarling.bsky.social · 15/04/2026Fantastic PhD studentship opportunity - Spitting Image: political satire in Britain in the 20th and 21st centuries. Working across @exeter.ac.uk and @theul.bsky.social in partnership with the @camglamresearch.bsky.social and drawing on the Roger Law archive. #PhDskyccc.cam.ac.ukUniversity of Exeter and University of Cambridge Libraries & Archives - Collections Connections Communities 16166
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries @thefnl.bsky.social · 15/04/2026This is a terrific initiative which creates opportunities for graduate conservators in the UK. The power of working together! 011
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesThomas Plume's Library @thomasplumes.bsky.social · 14/04/2026Thank you to @thefnl.bsky.social for this fantastic book: The Essayes, or Morall and militarie discourses of Lo. Michaell de Montaigne, … new done into English by John Florio, 1603. Donated from the Blavatnik Honresfield Library by the Friends of the Nations’ Libraries. 011
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesRichard Ovenden @richove.bsky.social · 06/04/2026Our newest photographic acquisition highlighted in @thetimes.com www.thetimes.com/uk/photograp...thetimes.com‘Amazing’ unseen photos by Cecil Beaton and Lee Miller unearthedThe wartime images, processed and printed by the photographers’ assistant Roland Haupt, have been described as an ‘empirical time capsule’ 0429
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesKresen Kernow @kresenkernow.bsky.social · 06/04/2026Discover one of our favourite historic maps, showing Boconnoc, Bradock and even a Queen’s Highway — helping date it to the Elizabethan era. Spot the barrows, gateposts and hidden details! #ManorialMonday #OldMaps 141
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesBorthwick Institute for Archives @uoyborthwick.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Today we've launched our digitised Probate Registers and Bishops' Transcripts collections onto Ancestry. Together that's 16 million records covering 1389-1858 - these can be accessed via a subscription to Ancestry or for free here at the Borthwick! www.ancestry.co.uk/search/colle... 17029
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesLambeth Palace Library @lampallib.bsky.social · 31/03/2026FREE preservation site visits for cathedrals! The Spring 2026 application round is now open; apply for a visit from our expert Collections Care team, to advise on a range of preservation issues. Details at www.lambethpalacelibrary.info/cathedral-li...lambethpalacelibrary.infoCathedral Libraries and Archives Collaboration – Lambeth Palace Library 135
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesRLUK Research Libraries UK @rluk.ac.uk · 31/03/2026Earlier this month we were pleased to support a @thefnl.bsky.social briefing on how Acceptance in Lieu (AIL), Cultural Gifts Scheme (CGS) & private treaty sales could benefit institutions, depositors & donors. 📺 A recording of this event is now available to watch at youtu.be/c6knmsTll20youtu.beFNL Briefing: Acceptance in Lieu and the Cultural Gifts SchemeYouTube video by ResearchLibrariesUK 012
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ LibrariesStrawberry Hill House and Garden @strawbhillhouse.bsky.social · 28/03/2026🏰 Help bring a Gothic Masterpiece Home 🏰 We’re raising £85,000 to acquire a rare 1750s painting of Strawberry Hill, capturing Walpole’s villa at the birth of the Gothic Revival. Now on display! All donations matched until we reach our target 🎯 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/muntz-strawb... 031