Treasures of the AK Bell Library are revealed

Dec 16 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A NEWLY published booklet reveals some of the many treasures which make up the collections of the Local Studies and Archive departments of the AK Bell Library in Perth.

The Treasures of the AK Bell was officially launched by Provost John Hulbert in the library’s Local Studies Department.

Written by Sara Ann Kelly and Jan Merchant of the AK Bell Library, and produced by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust and Friends of Perth and Kinross Council Archive, the booklet incorporates a rich selection of historic photographs, documents, drawings, pamphlets and much more. The publication reflects the extensive and varied collections of the Local Studies and Archive, a rich heritage which includes the earliest surviving copy of the Royal Charter for Perth, which was granted by William the Lion c1210.

Caroline Beaton, community libraries manager, commented: “I am delighted with the result of this partnership between Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust and the Friends of Perth and Kinross Council Archive. The result is a beautiful and helpful booklet which will be an aid to local historians and a great memento for tourists to the area.

“The booklet comes at a time when interest in local studies and genealogy has never been greater. Both sections of the library work closely with the registrars and are central to the public researching their own pasts in the area, providing access to the unique and nationally important collections which they hold. Such interest will undoubtedly increase through 2009 with the national Year of Homecoming, and into 2010 with the Perth 800 celebrations.”

Sue Hendry, chairman of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, said: “This is an absolutely fascinating booklet which will, I am sure, be of great interest to many people. I am delighted that the Trust is instrumental in publishing such informative booklets of which this is the latest in the series.”

The titles of books so far published in the series include Around Aberfeldy; The Origins of Perth: A Medieval Burgh; Cupmarked Stones in Strathtay; The Romans in Perthshire; Historic Dunning: A Perthshire Village, Atholl Estates: A Brief History; and The Historic Shopfronts of Perth, which was published in February.

All of the publications are all in full colour and are available, priced £2 or £3 from the AK Bell Library shop, Perth Museum and Art Gallery, or direct from the Trust Office’s at the Library Lodge, York Place, Perth, or online at www.pkht.org.uk.