Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
@thefnl.bsky.social
Friends of the Nations’ Libraries, or FNL, awards grants for acquisitions to regional and national archives, libraries and museums. www.fnl.org.uk.
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Applying for grants | Friends of the Nations' Libraries
www.fnl.org.uk
*Apply now* for acquisition grants for rare books, mss, archives, fine bindings etc. UK's national, regional, local and specialist collecting institutions are eligible. Next trustees' meeting is soon, so apply now if you have an acquisition in your sights & need support.
www.fnl.org.uk/apply
www.fnl.org.uk/apply
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Thoroughly recommend 'Made in Ancient Egypt' at the @fitzmuseum.bsky.social for a window into the work of craftspeople THOUSANDS of years ago. fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/plan-your-vi...
Made in Ancient Egypt
Made in Ancient Egypt exhibition at Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
February 8, 2026 at 9:51 AM
Thoroughly recommend 'Made in Ancient Egypt' at the @fitzmuseum.bsky.social for a window into the work of craftspeople THOUSANDS of years ago. fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/plan-your-vi...
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
Delighted that we were able to award a grant to fund the conservation of the wonderful Bury Psalter.
Save the date! At Evensong on Thursday 5 March, the Cathedral will be formally receiving the Bury Psalter, which has been gifted by the King Edward VI Grammar School Foundation Trust. Dating from around 1400, it was used at the ancient Abbey of St Edmund. Everyone is welcome at this special service
February 7, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Delighted that we were able to award a grant to fund the conservation of the wonderful Bury Psalter.
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
🎉We are very happy to share the news that Churchill College’s Governing Body has voted in favour of plans to build a new Churchill Archives Centre within the Grounds of the College. www.chu.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
Churchill Archives Centre Future Development - Churchill College
Churchill College’s Governing Body has voted in favour of plans to build a new Churchill Archives Centre within the Grounds of the College. This vote took place after a period […]
www.chu.cam.ac.uk
February 5, 2026 at 2:44 PM
🎉We are very happy to share the news that Churchill College’s Governing Body has voted in favour of plans to build a new Churchill Archives Centre within the Grounds of the College. www.chu.cam.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
Thrilled that we could give a major grant and so make it possible for @swheritagetrust.bsky.social to acquire this wonderful map. It is a really terrific acquisition!
Thanks to @thefnl.bsky.social this exceptionally rare Tudor map of Kingsbridge in Devon has been acquired for public research at the Devon Heritage Centre, after more than four centuries in private hands.
February 3, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Thrilled that we could give a major grant and so make it possible for @swheritagetrust.bsky.social to acquire this wonderful map. It is a really terrific acquisition!
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
A profoundly important collection of artworks created in Theresienstadt has been donated to our archive this Holocaust Memorial Day.
Find out more about the journey of suitcase #681 and this important Czech polymath whose life was cut short by the Holocaust: www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Find out more about the journey of suitcase #681 and this important Czech polymath whose life was cut short by the Holocaust: www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
January 28, 2026 at 8:58 AM
A profoundly important collection of artworks created in Theresienstadt has been donated to our archive this Holocaust Memorial Day.
Find out more about the journey of suitcase #681 and this important Czech polymath whose life was cut short by the Holocaust: www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Find out more about the journey of suitcase #681 and this important Czech polymath whose life was cut short by the Holocaust: www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
This is the point in an interesting thread when someone who properly knows something moves from "this pop history book maybe has some issues" to "what? What the hell is this?" Interesting cautionary stuff.
And the statues that were on the gateposts still survive. They're in the Museum! And they look nothing like this.
Anyway, no judgement on the history just for that.
And that's when I got to the sample...
Anyway, no judgement on the history just for that.
And that's when I got to the sample...
January 22, 2026 at 8:58 PM
This is the point in an interesting thread when someone who properly knows something moves from "this pop history book maybe has some issues" to "what? What the hell is this?" Interesting cautionary stuff.
Delighted our grant enabled Dorset History Centre to acquire this fascinating manuscript. Dr Giles Roberts (1766-1834) was a key personality in Bridport's history. In 1807 he was appointed Medical Attendant there and campaigned for better hygiene and public health.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Apothecary's manuscript acquired at auction
Dr Giles Roberts came up with the
www.bbc.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Delighted our grant enabled Dorset History Centre to acquire this fascinating manuscript. Dr Giles Roberts (1766-1834) was a key personality in Bridport's history. In 1807 he was appointed Medical Attendant there and campaigned for better hygiene and public health.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A must for archivists, librarians and other custodians of collections!
📍EVENT | @thefnl.bsky.social briefing on Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) & Cultural Gifts Scheme (CGS)
🗓 11 March, 14:00
This free virtual event by Friends of the Nations' Libraries will explain how libraries can benefit from AIL, CGS and private treaty sales.
🎟 Sign up at bit.ly/4jTnTXC
🗓 11 March, 14:00
This free virtual event by Friends of the Nations' Libraries will explain how libraries can benefit from AIL, CGS and private treaty sales.
🎟 Sign up at bit.ly/4jTnTXC
FNL Briefing: Acceptance in Lieu and the Cultural Gifts Scheme
This virtual Briefing by FNL will explain how Acceptance in Lieu (AIL), Cultural Gifts Schemes (CGS), and private treaty sales work.
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 1:54 PM
A must for archivists, librarians and other custodians of collections!
Sign up for our FNL Briefing (free, online) on March 11 on Acceptance in Lieu, the Cultural Gifts Scheme & Private Treaty Sales. Speakers include Anastasia Tennant, Mark Purcell & Joan Winterkorn
(huge thanks to @rluk.ac.uk for helping make this possible)
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fnl-briefi...
(huge thanks to @rluk.ac.uk for helping make this possible)
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fnl-briefi...
FNL Briefing: Acceptance in Lieu and the Cultural Gifts Scheme
This virtual Briefing by FNL will explain how Acceptance in Lieu (AIL), Cultural Gifts Schemes (CGS), and private treaty sales work.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 11:48 AM
Sign up for our FNL Briefing (free, online) on March 11 on Acceptance in Lieu, the Cultural Gifts Scheme & Private Treaty Sales. Speakers include Anastasia Tennant, Mark Purcell & Joan Winterkorn
(huge thanks to @rluk.ac.uk for helping make this possible)
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fnl-briefi...
(huge thanks to @rluk.ac.uk for helping make this possible)
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fnl-briefi...
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
Installing a new display at the Weston Library takes time and precision.
Dancing with Jane Austen is now open, featuring rare loans from Jane Austen’s House, including a manuscript music book copied in Jane Austen’s own hand.
A glimpse behind the scenes, before the final case came together.
Dancing with Jane Austen is now open, featuring rare loans from Jane Austen’s House, including a manuscript music book copied in Jane Austen’s own hand.
A glimpse behind the scenes, before the final case came together.
January 17, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Installing a new display at the Weston Library takes time and precision.
Dancing with Jane Austen is now open, featuring rare loans from Jane Austen’s House, including a manuscript music book copied in Jane Austen’s own hand.
A glimpse behind the scenes, before the final case came together.
Dancing with Jane Austen is now open, featuring rare loans from Jane Austen’s House, including a manuscript music book copied in Jane Austen’s own hand.
A glimpse behind the scenes, before the final case came together.
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
Job klaxon!
Job Opportunity! We're looking for a Graduate Trainee Archivist.
#archives
www.trin.cam.ac.uk/vacancies/gr...
#archives
www.trin.cam.ac.uk/vacancies/gr...
Graduate Trainee Archivist
One-year fixed term contract, full-time Trinity College Library wishes to appoint an enthusiastic Graduate Trainee Archivist for one year from September 2026. The post offers an ideal opportunity to g...
www.trin.cam.ac.uk
January 16, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Job klaxon!
Delighted we could support the acquisition of these rare newsletters and ephemera that capture a pivotal moment -when ordinary tenants fought for dignity and security amid rising rents, overcrowding, and inadequate repairs under relaxed rent controls.
@senatehouselib.bsky.social has acquired a unique collection of bulletins published by London tenants in wartime #London thanks to a generous grant from @thefnl.bsky.social
#libraries #archives #ephemera #WorkingClassHistory #WW2
See here for more👇
#libraries #archives #ephemera #WorkingClassHistory #WW2
See here for more👇
Senate House Library acquires fascinating collection of wartime tenants’ rights bulletins
Senate House Library Head of Collections Lucy Evans on how a Friends of the Nations’ Libraries grant allowed the purchase of unique wartime publications by working class Londoners
www.london.ac.uk
January 9, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Delighted we could support the acquisition of these rare newsletters and ephemera that capture a pivotal moment -when ordinary tenants fought for dignity and security amid rising rents, overcrowding, and inadequate repairs under relaxed rent controls.
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
A rare first edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865), annotated by Lewis Carroll and illustrated by John Tenniel, has been jointly acquired by Christ Church, Oxford and the Bodleian Libraries!
Read more: https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/media/2026/jan/alice-acquisition
Read more: https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/media/2026/jan/alice-acquisition
January 8, 2026 at 4:51 PM
A rare first edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865), annotated by Lewis Carroll and illustrated by John Tenniel, has been jointly acquired by Christ Church, Oxford and the Bodleian Libraries!
Read more: https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/media/2026/jan/alice-acquisition
Read more: https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/media/2026/jan/alice-acquisition
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
Thanks to our 2020 grant @uonlibraries.bsky.social conserved the collection of Thos. Hine, Nottingham Architect, dating from 17C-19C. The collection was too fragile for access but it's now been digitised & the online catalogue was just launched! mss-cat.nottingham.ac.uk/Calmview/
December 20, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Thanks to our 2020 grant @uonlibraries.bsky.social conserved the collection of Thos. Hine, Nottingham Architect, dating from 17C-19C. The collection was too fragile for access but it's now been digitised & the online catalogue was just launched! mss-cat.nottingham.ac.uk/Calmview/
More press coverage for this brilliant find! www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/history...
History of Cambridge area brought to life as rare book returns to city
The book is thought to be the only of its kind in existence, giving an insight into daily life in one part of Cambridge
www.cambridge-news.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 8:17 AM
More press coverage for this brilliant find! www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/history...
Great coverage for a great find! Delighted that @thefnl.bsky.social could help!
Cambridgeshire Archives has bought The Terrier of John Chettoe's Property in Chesterton from a private owner in South Africa. The document offers a snapshot of life in an 18th century village which is now a suburb of Cambridge. 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Chesterton historical land survey offers snapshot of village life
An 18th Century survey reveals details of life in Chesterton before it became a Cambridge suburb.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Great coverage for a great find! Delighted that @thefnl.bsky.social could help!
We’re delighted we could,thanks to generous donors, buy Charlotte’s Book of Ryhmes (sic) in 2022 and donate it to Brontë Parsonage to join the others we donated to BPM in 2021 from the #BlavatnikHonresfieldLibrary! The reading, when we welcomed it back to the UK, of 2 of the poems was magical.
A #tinyjoy to take you into the weekend. I just learned that 13- year-old Charlotte Brontë's TINY book, A Book of Ryhmes [sic] (it measures 9.5 cm by 6 cm) contains a poem titled "A Thing OF fourteen Line's. commonly called a" (& her tiny handwriting made the next word illegible.) #BookHistory
November 29, 2025 at 8:14 AM
We’re delighted we could,thanks to generous donors, buy Charlotte’s Book of Ryhmes (sic) in 2022 and donate it to Brontë Parsonage to join the others we donated to BPM in 2021 from the #BlavatnikHonresfieldLibrary! The reading, when we welcomed it back to the UK, of 2 of the poems was magical.
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
We've got some HUGE news! We've DOUBLED in size overnight! Not only have we added "some" more Cairo Genizah fragments, but "ALL" of them @theul.bsky.social !!!
This now brings the total number of items in Cambridge Digital Library to OVER 160,000!
cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/...
This now brings the total number of items in Cambridge Digital Library to OVER 160,000!
cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/...
November 28, 2025 at 10:06 AM
We've got some HUGE news! We've DOUBLED in size overnight! Not only have we added "some" more Cairo Genizah fragments, but "ALL" of them @theul.bsky.social !!!
This now brings the total number of items in Cambridge Digital Library to OVER 160,000!
cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/...
This now brings the total number of items in Cambridge Digital Library to OVER 160,000!
cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/...
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
#Museum30 theme 27 is #achievement. It’s been remarkable achievement for Dunblane’s historic Leighton Library to have undertaken major restoration of 17th century building. Help us achieve next phase to redevelop Undercroft to create accessible welcome, interpretation, engagement and exhibition…/👇
November 27, 2025 at 8:10 AM
#Museum30 theme 27 is #achievement. It’s been remarkable achievement for Dunblane’s historic Leighton Library to have undertaken major restoration of 17th century building. Help us achieve next phase to redevelop Undercroft to create accessible welcome, interpretation, engagement and exhibition…/👇
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
The @scottpolar.bsky.social are looking for a librarian. This is a rare opportunity! Work with (probably) the world's largest dedicated polar library alongside archive and museum colleagues. The dream 😍
📜
📜
Librarian
The Library of the Scott Polar Research Institute is one of the most comprehensive collections of published polar information in the world. This highly specialist reference collection, which attracts
www.cam.ac.uk
November 25, 2025 at 8:45 PM
The @scottpolar.bsky.social are looking for a librarian. This is a rare opportunity! Work with (probably) the world's largest dedicated polar library alongside archive and museum colleagues. The dream 😍
📜
📜
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
#OnThisDay in 1859, Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species was first published.
Much of the original manuscript was used as scrap paper by Darwin's children. On the back of this painting of a house is an original manuscript page from Origin!
#CambridgeUniversityLibrary (DAR 185)
Much of the original manuscript was used as scrap paper by Darwin's children. On the back of this painting of a house is an original manuscript page from Origin!
#CambridgeUniversityLibrary (DAR 185)
November 24, 2025 at 11:26 AM
#OnThisDay in 1859, Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species was first published.
Much of the original manuscript was used as scrap paper by Darwin's children. On the back of this painting of a house is an original manuscript page from Origin!
#CambridgeUniversityLibrary (DAR 185)
Much of the original manuscript was used as scrap paper by Darwin's children. On the back of this painting of a house is an original manuscript page from Origin!
#CambridgeUniversityLibrary (DAR 185)
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
We are so pleased to share that Beckford’s Tower and Museum has won two awards in this year’s Bristol Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards:
🏅 Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: Bronze
🏅 Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Gold
A huge well done to our brilliant team who have made this possible 👏
🏅 Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: Bronze
🏅 Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Gold
A huge well done to our brilliant team who have made this possible 👏
November 23, 2025 at 3:56 PM
We are so pleased to share that Beckford’s Tower and Museum has won two awards in this year’s Bristol Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards:
🏅 Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: Bronze
🏅 Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Gold
A huge well done to our brilliant team who have made this possible 👏
🏅 Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: Bronze
🏅 Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Gold
A huge well done to our brilliant team who have made this possible 👏
Delighted to help @theul.bsky.social acquire this important archive. Levy's life was sadly short but she wrote 3 vols. of verse, three novels & more. Oscar Wilde saw ‘a touch of genius’ in her stories. She is increasingly recognised as an important late-Victorian writer & pioneering social figure.
The archive of enigmatic 19th-century writer Amy Levy has a new home at Cambridge University Library.
Find out more: https://loom.ly/RHh3bbc
Thank you to our supporters, including: @thefnl.bsky.social, Arts Council England, Rothschild Foundation, The Polonsky Foundation, T. S. Eliot Foundation.
Find out more: https://loom.ly/RHh3bbc
Thank you to our supporters, including: @thefnl.bsky.social, Arts Council England, Rothschild Foundation, The Polonsky Foundation, T. S. Eliot Foundation.
November 14, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Delighted to help @theul.bsky.social acquire this important archive. Levy's life was sadly short but she wrote 3 vols. of verse, three novels & more. Oscar Wilde saw ‘a touch of genius’ in her stories. She is increasingly recognised as an important late-Victorian writer & pioneering social figure.
Delighted that we were able to award a grant to help @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social acquire this important archive!
Today, we are celebrating the archive of the wonderful Peepal Tree Press, an archive that we are so blessed to have at @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social and @lulgalleries.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Delighted that we were able to award a grant to help @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social acquire this important archive!
Reposted by Friends of the Nations’ Libraries
We’re launching our new catalogue on Monday 8 December.
To keep our collections safe while we do this, access and ordering will be suspended for a week before launch and all requests for 8 December onwards must be made on the new system when it launches.
Find out more: bit.ly/CollectionSu...
To keep our collections safe while we do this, access and ordering will be suspended for a week before launch and all requests for 8 December onwards must be made on the new system when it launches.
Find out more: bit.ly/CollectionSu...
November 11, 2025 at 12:54 PM
We’re launching our new catalogue on Monday 8 December.
To keep our collections safe while we do this, access and ordering will be suspended for a week before launch and all requests for 8 December onwards must be made on the new system when it launches.
Find out more: bit.ly/CollectionSu...
To keep our collections safe while we do this, access and ordering will be suspended for a week before launch and all requests for 8 December onwards must be made on the new system when it launches.
Find out more: bit.ly/CollectionSu...