The National Library of Scotland’s official birthday is fast approaching, with the 100th anniversary of its creation via an Act of Parliament falling on Thursday 7 August.
On that day, visitors to the National Library at George IV Bridge Edinburgh and Kelvin Hall in Glasgow will be given their own copy of a special edition centenary comic, created by Beano especially for this occasion. Until copies run out, that is!
National Librarian Amina Shah said: “Beano is the longest running weekly comic created every week in Dundee for almost as long as we’ve been in existence. Beano is loved by kids and adults alike, alongside many iconic characters like Dennis, Gnasher, Minnie and Bananaman. We cannot think of a more appropriate and fun way to mark our official birthday.”
Craig Graham, Beano’s Director of Mayhem, said: “100 years of the National Library of Scotland? That calls for maximum mayhem! It’s been a total joy to bring a bit of Beano mischief to such a brilliant milestone. We had a blast creating the story, and we hope visitors have just as much fun diving into it. The Bash Street Kids managed to get lost in the archives and luckily, no priceless manuscripts were harmed (we think!)”
Visitors on the day will also get the chance to meet special guest Dennis the Menace (who will be kept under the watchful eye of Library staff!).
The special Beano edition features the George IV Bridge building on the cover, while inside the comic readers will be treated to The Bash Street Kids’ visit to the National Library.
On the morning of Thursday 7 August the Library will give away 500 copies of the special edition Beano to lucky visitors at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh and Kelvin Hall, Glasgow. They will be given out on a first-come first-served basis. Visitors will also have the opportunity to sign a giant birthday card, which will be stored in the Library’s archives in perpetuity.
For further details visit: www.nls.uk