New library focuses on Irish fiction and non-fiction

There is a new way for people to explore their Irish heritage on P.E.I.

The Benevolent Irish Society (BIS) recently completed cataloguing over 1,600 books for its library and has opened the doors to the public.

The library project at the BIS building in Charlottetown began as a dream of the late George O’Connor and has been expanded through donations from the personal collections of several Irish descendants, including Michael Hennessey, the estate of the late Brendan O’Grady and George Mullally who is the honorary patron of the BIS.

The new library’s collection contains hundreds of works of fiction and non-fiction. Approximately half of the non-fiction books are located in the history section covering the full range of Irish history as well as the history of the Irish in North America, particularly P.E.I. Other well-stocked sections in nonfiction are genealogy, folklore and diography with good representation under drama, poetry, literature, religion and travel.

In addition to thes books, which can be borrowed by BIS members and the general public, there is a noncirculating section containing magazines, periodicals and old books that can be enjoyed in the bright and spacious library room.

The library, which is staffed by volunteers, can be visited on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. and to noon, and on Thursdays 4-6 p.m. COVID-19 protocols are in place, and visitors are asked to wear a mask. Although the library is located on the lower level at 582 North River Rd., it is fully accessible via the elevator at the main entrance.

For further information or to join the volunteer committee, contact Paula, 902-6290340.

CONTRIBUTED Tony Dolan, a board member with the Benevolent Irish Society and a library volunteer, takes a break from cataloguing and shelving volumes in the recently opened library located in the Irish Cultural Centre in Charlottetown.