Exploring “Belfast’s Great Shared Space” with The Linen Hall’s Julie Andrews

Irish Stew Podcast

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The third stop on our “Lost in Belfast” series is the city’s oldest cultural organization, The Linen Hall Library, located in an 18th-century building across the street from City Hall and a reminder of Belfast’s days as “Linenopolis” when it dominated the global linen trade.

Our conversation with director Julie Andrews delves into the library's rich history since its establishment in 1788, its role as a neutral space for political and cultural dialogue, and its extensive collections, including its signature Northern Ireland Political Collection of ephemera and artifacts gathered during The Troubles. “Politically, we show no allegiance. There’s something in our collection to offend everyone,” Julie says.

She shares insights into the library's innovative projects, ongoing initiatives to ensure the organization stays relevant, challenges inherent in operating a not-for-profit institution, the library's community engagement, its diverse events, and potential future expansions.

Join us at a beacon of Belfast history, The Linen Hall Library!
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The Linen Hall

Julie Andrews

Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 5; Total Episode Count: 108

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. The Centrality of Belfast's Linen Hall Library (00:02:05)

3. The Northern Ireland Political Collection (00:06:16)

4. Sustaining a Subscription Library (00:08:07)

5. Reasons to Visit the Linen Hall Library (00:14:03)

6. The Importance of Programming (00:17:17)

7. Julie's Background (00:22:09)

8. Linen Hall Surprises (00:25:51)

9. The Governors Room and Others (00:27:32)

10. Keeping Pace in a Changing Belfast (00:30:16)

11. John and Martin Recap (00:33:34)

12. Credits (00:35:01)

123 episodes

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