THE FIRST EVER public library in Ireland is crowdfunding to conserve three important books from its collection.

Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift and James Joyce all used the library, which has been open since 1707, and has books dating back to the 1400s.

Three of its most important books need conservation work and the library is trying to raise funds so this can be carried out.

The books are :

• A first-edition of Isaac Newton’s Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, dating from 1686. Newton’s Principia was the work in which he discussed his famed law of gravitation and laws of motion, and is considered one of the most historically significant scientific works ever written.

Marsh's Library Dublin Marsh's Library Dublin

• A volume of John Milton treatises dating from 1644, which includes copies of his famed works such as ‘Of Education’, ‘The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce’, and the Areopagitica - one of the earliest defences of the right to a free press.

Marsh's Library Dublin Marsh's Library Dublin

• A volume of debates for and against the use of astrology in matters of politics and state, dating from the early 1600s, and including a work by the English academic John Chamber.

Marsh's Library Dublin Marsh's Library Dublin

This book in particular is known to have been read by Bram Stoker, and deals with the use of astrology and magic in the prediction of political events – a dangerous occupation for those involved in its practice.

The library needs €3,115 to conserve the three books at its on-site conservation lab.

This is the first time the library has used crowdfunding to raise money.

The library is giving rewards for donations of over €5.

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