#RhianIsaac

Rhian Isaac, special collections librarian at Leeds Central Library
5th January 2024
2 mins read

Library’s light fantastic storybook scenes add a touch of glass

A beautiful collection of vintage magic lantern slides has been shedding new light on scenes from some of history’s most iconic stories. The beautiful, coloured glass slides date from around 1906, and feature moments from classic tales including Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Aladdin. Each of the delicate slides, on display at Leeds…
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Antarctic photo album
6th October 2023
2 mins read

Antique photo find takes librarians on surprise of discovery

A classic case of not judging a book by its cover took librarians in Leeds on a fascinating photographic journey through a daring Antarctic rescue mission. During routine cataloguing in Leeds Central Library’s strongroom, special collections librarian Rhian Isaac found what appeared to be an unassuming family photo album tucked away on a shelf.…
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Senior librarian Rhian Isaac in Kirkstall Abbey with Leeds Central Library's precious copy of the Missale ad usum Cistercienci.
30th June 2023
2 mins read

New chapter as Monks’ historic book returns to Kirkstall Abbey

A one-of-a-kind book has returned to the ruins of the historic abbey where it was diligently inscribed and studied by monks more than 500 years ago. The incredibly rare copy of Missale ad usum Cistercienci was printed in Paris in 1516 and is believed to have once belonged to the monks of Kirkstall Abbey…
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Leeds Central Library's naval battle
3rd February 2023
2 mins read

All hands on deck as library’s epic naval battle unfolds

An epic, century-old “Instagram Story” featuring pivotal scenes from a dramatic naval conflict waged by British ships has unfolded during research by librarians in Leeds. The step-by-step, illustrated account, estimated to be more than 50 feet in length, documents every cannon blast and flaming sail from the pivotal battles of Solebay and Texel which…
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Rhian Isaac, Leeds Central Library's senior librarian with the library's copy of My Own Garden- The Young Gardener’s Yearbook.
28th October 2022
2 mins read

International poison project uncovers library’s toxic tome

A rare book laced with a deadly poison has been discovered by librarians in Leeds as part of a global search for the toxic texts stashed on shelves across the world. Leeds Central Library’s copy of My Own Garden: The Young Gardener’s Yearbook was published back in 1855, and has been safely tucked away…
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George is strapping on his proton pack and hunting down ghouls in an action-packed day, thanks to Leeds Libraries and the charity Make-A-Wish
10th June 2022
1 min read

Leeds Libraries to help make a boy’s Ghostbusters wish come true

A young Ghostbusters super fan is strapping on his proton pack and hunting down ghouls in an action-packed competition, thanks to Leeds Libraries. Working with the charity Make-A-Wish, Leeds Libraries will be helping to grant the wish of eight-year-old George, who lives with Ebstein anomaly, a rare and life-limiting congenital heart defect which means…
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