The CUNY Institute for Irish-American Studies in conjunction with the CUNY Graduate Center Continuing Education and Public Programs, presents a lecture by Dr. Robert O’Neill entitled Preserving Irish-America: The Holdings of the John J. Burns Library on Wednesday, September 21st, 2005 at 7PM at the CUNY Graduate Center, room C201. The center is located on Fifth Avenue between 34th and 35th Streets. This event is free to the public. Reservations are appreciated but not required and can be made by calling 718-960-6722.

One of the most popular locations for Irish Studies scholars to visit in North America is the John J. Burns Library of Rare Books and Special Collections, Boston College. The Library’s holdings represent the largest, most comprehensive collection of Irish research materials on the continent. Some highlights from the collection include the English language works of William Butler Yeats and Samuel Beckett and the Irish language works of Flann O'Brien and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill in addition to thousands of rare publications and manuscripts describing Irish and Irish-American life over the past 300 years.

Dr. Robert O’Neill is the director of the Burns Library. In 2003, he was recipient of the Gold Medal by the Éire Society of Boston and named by Irish America magazine as one of the Top 100 Irish Americans. His most recent book is entitled, "A Visitors' Guide to Irish Libraries, Archives, Museums and Genealogical Centres."

Please visit our website at www.lehman.edu/cunyiias for more information on our Fall 2005 Public Events.