Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple donation ceremony

01 Oct 2024

Building community ties through collaboration

On 24 September 2024, the Main Library hosted a ceremony for representatives of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple, following their generous donation of the English and Mandarin language versions of their Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art.

About the ceremony

The Fo Guang Shan party, which included Venerable members of the Stretford-based temple, and the Manchester Chapter President of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), alongside PhD student, Jiyao Sun, were received by Deputy University Librarian and Associate Director: Education, Experience and Strategic Insights, Katy Woolfenden.

Joining Katy in the ceremony were Collection Care Manager, Elisabeth Carr; Engagement Librarian, Ruili Zhang and Dr Gregory Scott, Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies.

Following introductions, a series of short talks was given by both parties. The formal aspect of the ceremony concluded with photographs, leaving time for refreshments and a lively discussion. The Library has since received very positive feedback from the temple, with a further visit to the John Rylands Research Institute and Library already proposed.

Celebrating a new cross-team collaboration

Not only was the event an enjoyable celebration of a new relationship with the local community, but it also represented a successful cross-team and directorate collaboration between Collection Development and Management, Stock Operations, Executive Office, and Engagement, with continued support from Chinese Studies and invaluable advice from Collections Care and the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Centre.