Save St Bride Library!

Where's Found Type Friday? No dead waterfowl this week?

Well, I was just about to sought it out when I happen to spot on Design Observer that Michael Bierut has highlighted the plight of the quite brilliant St Bride Library and I thought that perhaps it might be a good opportunity to do what little I can to support what is a priceless archive for the design/advertising/print industries.

You can find out much more about The Library here. Please, go find out more. If you're at all interested in type, typography, graphic design etc, it's worth getting to know St Bride Library.

When I lived on the mainland I used The Library a little, to do some research on Penguin Books. They had lots of stuff and were really helpful. It's probably the only place you can go and look at things like this, this and (probably) this. Although, almost certainly not this. If you live in London it's got to be a major resource for you and anyone visiting from elsewhere should arrange a visit.

Of course what they really need is your money and you can make donations here. I would have thought the best thing to do is to enroll as a Friend for £30, then you'll even get something back. So you'll probably learn something too. That's what I'm going to do.

Hope no one minds me doing that rather than FTF this week. If you've got any found type by the way, please feel free to email it through via About.

I was going to do a thing on Pan Books because Philip "Piehead" Slade very kindly sent me some stuff through. I'll try and do it over the weekend.

Comments

[Ben]

I went there recently and it's amazing. Although I fear it will go the same way as the Type Museum.

[Richard]

That would be a terrible shame. I must admit I did find it a bit intimidating: lots of glass cabinets and stuff "behind the scenes" but it is unique. Go on, send 'em 30 quid.

[Blake]

Being in Orlando, Florida, it feels very removed from such a place. I wish I could visit the library and check out their archives. Judging by the images, it looks amazing...but images are only that--fleeting glimpses. The real thing can only be fifty times better. I really hope the library survives...

Places like that don't have to putter out and die. If only we'd stop worrying about paying for an iPod. ;)

[jane]

I'm so happy you introduced me to St Bride. What a collection. I'm planning a trip to London in the Spring, and will definitely visit. Thanks mucho!

[Mike]

I run the charity that owns the Library and just found this thread - Just wanted to repeat what is said above .... If we are to keep the Library open people must use it. We have exciting plans for the future of the Library but need people to use it and to support us if we are to protect this great resource. If anyone does find it " a bit intimating" please ask for me and I will gladly show you around and introduce to all the staff who are ( I hope ) friendly and helpful.

Mike

[Richard]

Thanks Mike.