We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers who are members of The Arts Society Sandwich (TASS) or the Arts Society Dover, Deal and Sandwich to take part in a fascinating heritage project — cataloguing the book collection at Goodnestone Park Mansion.
While the library holds 37 rare books, there are hundreds more volumes awaiting gentle cleaning, cataloguing, and careful reordering on the shelves. This is a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on experience preserving a historic collection and to contribute to the care of one of Kent’s most beautiful heritage sites.
What’s Involved:
- Cleaning, cataloguing, and reordering books in the mansion’s library
- Recording details in an Excel-based inventory system
- Helping to create a detailed room plan showing book locations
- Identifying and reuniting sets of books split across shelves
- Applying a shelfmarking system (room, bay, shelf, and position)
Training Day:
Tuesday, 11th November | 10:00–16:00 | Goodnestone Park Mansion
Expert conservator Caroline Bendix, who has trained Arts Society groups for over 30 years, will lead the session.
Those unable to attend will receive full guidance and materials from the training day.
Your involvement will be deeply appreciated by the team at Goodnestone Park, and you’ll be part of a dedicated group preserving our shared literary and cultural heritage.
Interested in volunteering?
Cally Vaile, TASS committee member, is co-ordinating this project. Contact youngarts.sandwich@theartssociety.org to register your interest or find out more.
