Many thanks to Alexander Ogilvie-Graham for writing this informative blog post about volunteering in the library!
I have been volunteering at the Palace since 2016 as a tour guide, and since I began here it has been my dream to become a librarian.
I completed my first tour in the library last week thanks to Sharda.
When I started my shift at the library I gave a quiet nod to the Bishop that I admire the most- Bishop Porteous born May 1731 to 1809 I think of him as the library Patron.
In 1788 Bishop Porteous supported Sir William Dolben against the slave trade. The Bishop also supported William Wilberforce and many of the books in the Porteous library are written in support of the anti-slavery bill and against the slave trade. I admire this Bishop and his support of the abolitionist movement against the slave trade, considering many of his peers did not speak out.
I have always liked the Fulham palace library and hope to be the best version of myself when I am Librarian. It was brilliant ticking of my first shift and I look forward to many more Sundays well spent being a custodian for the library.
Now, for a little insight into the library collection. In the year of 1666 when there was the great fire of London, many of the books were moved to the Library of Saint Pauls for safeguarding against the fire. Here, Bishop Sherlock kept them safe amongst the rafters of the Cathedral.
I hope to bring you all many more facts and exciting stories from the library as I expand my knowledge of this great collection. To quote the library motto “Fortitude will get you far in life”
Showing my first visitor (who happened to be my brother) around the library.