John F. Marks’s family donates his papers to University of Malta Library

The family of John F. Marks officially presented his papers to the Archives & Special Collections Department of the University of Malta Library. The collection of papers dates to the first half of the 20th century and is of a socio-political and literary nature. Included among the papers are draft manuscripts of unpublished works.

John F. Marks (1894-1954), popularly known as Is-Sur Johnny, was a trade unionist, author and assiduous contributor to local newspapers, most particularly those with Labourite working class leanings. Marks was responsible for organising the first Labour Day in Malta and was an active promoter of the Maltese language.

The collection of papers was presented to the pro-rector Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino, in the presence of the director of Library Services Kevin J. Ellul, members of academic staff and Library management and staff. The papers were generously donated by Mr Marks's son, Major Robert Henry Marks, together with his grandchildren Johanna Marks and Prof. Arnold Cassola.

Mr Ellul thanked the donors for choosing to present the material to the University Library where it will shortly be made available to bona fide researchers. The pro-rector thanked the donors for their generosity towards the university.

A short talk was given by Major Marks followed by a short address by the Department of Maltese academics Dr Adrian Grima and Prof. Cassola, while the head of the Department Dr Bernard Micallef delivered the closing speech.