A Grand Parade: Memories of Cork City Libraries: 1855-2005

by Liam Ronayne, Cork City Librarian, and Dr John Mullins, Executive Librarian, was launched in Cork City Libraries on 12 December 2005. Providing an outline history of Cork City Libraries since their foundation in 1892, the book also includes a selection of interesting memoirs from the last ninety years from staff and members of the public. This was the final contribution of Cork City Libraries to Cork2005 European Capital of Culture. Dates in the subtitle refer to the 150 years since the passing of the first Public Libraries (Ireland) Act. Cork city was the first Irish city to adopt this act. The book was launched on the 85th anniversary of the burning of Cork city, when the city’s Carnegie Library — along with City Hall and other central premises in the city — was destroyed by arson at the hands of British Crown forces. The book contains many photographs, showing the development of services across the decades, as well as a selection of activities, people, and buildings. This 116-page paperback retails at €10.00.

At the official launch of A Grand Parade: Memories of Cork City Libraries, co-author and editor Liam Ronayne (Cork City Librarian), Prof. John A. Murphy (who launched the book), Lord Mayor Cllr Deirdre Clune, Ruth Flanagan (President of the Library Association of Ireland), City Manager Joe Gavin, and co-author Dr John Mullins, Executive Librarian.

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