Feel present at the latest exhibition in the Russell Library, or virtually move through the John Paul II Library from wherever you are in the world.
On this page you can also enjoy all of our past and current Advent Calendars, Easter, Summer and Halloween experiences.
Enjoy a full virtual tour of the John Paul II Library. These 360 tours include the MU Library Makerspace and Special Collections Reading Room
View Here
The MU Library Makerspace is an area where students and staff can explore the art of making. You can create, collaborate, learn, experiment, innovate and have fun. It is available for specific departments and on a case by case basis.
The Special Collections & Archives Reading Room in the John Paul II Library contains the special and historical collections of Maynooth University, including over 8,000 printed works dating from the 15th century onwards, archival collections, calendars, directories and cartographic material. The Reading Room was opened in 2013 following a major extension to the John Paul II Library.
Opening Hours (by prior appointment only):
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from
10.00am - 12.30pm and 2.00pm - 4.30pm
Closed for appointments on Wednesday and Friday
View the reading room Here
Celebrating Pugin "a man of genius". From the Collections of the Russell Library and Special Collections & Archives Maynooth University.
This exhibition will put the Russell Library & it’s architect into context for our visitors. Items selected from the historic collections of the Russell Library and the Special Collections in the John Paul II Library celebrate the life and work of Augustus (Welby Northmore) Pugin.
Materials displayed relate to his life and work and pulls together a wider picture of Gothic & Catholic revival using Pugin’s writings.
View the exhibition HERE
Home and Husbandry - Culture Night, September 2022
The theme of the exhibition is ‘about engaging with heritage to create a more resilient world, enhancing sustainability and biodiversity.’ In response to this theme, we have drawn from our extensive print collections in a specially curated exhibition.
Items selected from the historic collections of the Russell Library, St. Canice’s Cathedral Collection, and the Special Collections in the John Paul II Library, celebrate practices of the farm and home.
Material on display relates to horticulture, agriculture, beekeeping, equine husbandry, fruticulture, needlework and cookery. Some of the most significant and celebrated books of their subject are present, including Silva (1729), John Evelyn’s seminal book on forestry and Charles Butler’s Monarchia Feminina (1673) which influenced beekeepers for centuries.
The Second Reformation and Catholic. Protestant Relations in Pre-Famine Ireland: Bicentennial Perspectives - Research Week, October 2022
This exhibition launches on the bicentenary of the infamous sermon (charge) given by the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, William Magee (1766-1831) in St Patrick’s Cathedral on 24 October 1822. Archbishop Magee’s charge sparked religious controversy in Ireland, playing a significant role in driving the Second Reformation, including the 'Bible War', and being countered by the emergence of an assertive Irish Catholicism.
The year 2023 it will mark the first public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, the first named after a woman. It has been named after St. Brigid of Kildare. In response to this historic occasion we have put together an exhibition drawing from the collections held between St. Patricks and Maynooth University.
Items selected from the historic collections of the Russell Library and the Special Collections in the John Paul II Library celebrate the life of St. Brigid and her legacy.
Materials displayed relate to her life, locations related to her history and her cultural impact. Some of the most significant on the subject of St. Brigid in our collection include Lives of the Irish saints : with special festivals, and the commemorations of holy persons, compiled from calendars, martyrologies, and various sources, relating to the ancient church history of Ireland by John O’Hanlon and Florilegium insulae sanctorum by Thomas Messingham.
Welcome to Maynooth University Library’s first Virtual Advent Calendar 2022. In the countdown to Christmas, this unique virtual experience will explore Christmas-related imagery from the historical collections of St. Patrick’s College Maynooth held in the Russell Library.
You can enjoy this experience on all devices, we would recommend selecting fullscreen and landscape on a mobile device. We would encourage you to look all around and search the scenes rather than using the arrows, as the next image may not be what is next chronologically.
Have a Merry Christmas from all at MU Library!
View the experience HERE
For the Easter season, this virtual experience showcases a selection of books published within the last 12-18 months by Maynooth University (MU) and St Patrick's Pontifical University (SPPU) staff.
Set in the lush backdrop of growth and vitality in the John Paul II Library, explore new and upcoming publications behind 10 hidden Easter Eggs - the symbol of new life, new beginnings and new publications!
View the experience HERE
This virtual experience showcases a selection of books all about well-being, pastimes, relaxation and some good reads. Set in the relaxing backdrop of the energy pods in the John Paul II Library, explore some recommendations from our collections to help you wind down this summer!
View the experience HERE
John Paul II Library
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Russell Library
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