Greetings, People of Sapience.

Thanks to the hard work of the Cyrenian Library Committee and the
enthusiastic interest of scholars, bibliophiles and researches from
across the lands, the Prosperian Athenaeum was unveiled last month with
great fanfare and success. The tomes found there are now open to the
public, barring enemies who have lost the priviledge of enjoying our
amenities.

The celebration lasted five days and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony,
presentation of the winners of the painting contest and placement of the
resulting tome into the collection, a feast and tours of the facility, a
question and answer session with the library commitee and a world-wide
literary quiz, with prizes from one of the brigade of Cyrene's famous
magic hats. Musical performances were provided by House Ty Beirdd,
including a beautiful chorale. Giftbags stuffed with specially created
items for book lovers were provided for the first 50 to arrive.

We appreciate the sacrifices made in attending during these chaotic
times and are grateful enough calm was found in this tumultuous time for
our event to be enjoyed and appreciated by many.

It is my pleasure to announce the winners of the painting competition,
as well as invite you to view these inspiring works yourself.

In the modern category three winners were chosen from twelve very
impressive pieces:
3rd place - 'Ashaxei', by Droch Tegwyn
2nd place - 'Inkpot and Quill', by Lex Loci Xaruthan Sirsuma
Masterpiece - 'Ainghaeal's Attack', by Aikou Alexandrian

In the traditional category, the judges selected four winners:
3rd place - A Tie
'The Pillar of Poetry', by Kiusha Escath-Crescent
'The Book Nook', by Requa Vorondil-Windsong
2nd place - 'The Athenaeum of Hashan', by Bluef Taver
Masterpiece - 'Zophia', by Tunesmith Myrridhin Winterheart

Congratulations to all winners! Please join me in celebrating their
talent, along with all of the artists who created such wonderful
paintings. All of these works can be enjoyed in a tome entitled
"Literary Figures, Places and Things: A Collection of Paintings", found
in the Bardic Hall of Arts and Literature in The Prosperian Athenaeum.

Cyrene invites you all to experience our athenaeum, a grand public
centre of learning we have worked towards for many, many years. We
envision a place where seekers of knowledge might journey from distances
near and far to study and publish their works. Who better to do so than
a city dedicated to respect, culture and the arts?

You will find halls of learning inspired by core values of the glorious
Houses of Cyrene, including the Arcane Hall of World History and
Exploration, the Runic Hall of Combat, the Mojushaine Hall of Philosophy
and the Bardic Hall of Arts and Literature. A fifth collection showcases
works that do not fit cleanly into those categories. Very special
letters, journals and manuscripts are available for sale, designed for
those with a love of scholarship and the arts.

Already, the athenaeum boasts a number of tomes exceeding ninety and we
are committed to ensuring continual growth of our collection. Authors,
organisations and artists are all invited to submit works to the
athenaeum. Interested individuals will find a scroll in the Vault of
Tomes which thoroughly explains how to submit a tome and the library
committee is always available to assist you.

It should be noted that while quality, accurate works from all
persuasions are welcomed in our collection, such should not be
misinterpreted as the endorsement by Cyrene of all said works or views.
Much like our Pantheon recognizes Divine Ones from sometimes conflicting
alignments, so does this athenaeum reflect the diverse philosophies of
our world, offering a stage upon which artisans, historians and scholars
can showcase tangible manifestations of these differences for people to
study and attempt to understand. Our truths are not threatened by such
diversity. In fact, it might be said that our truest and deepest truths
are only confirmed by exposure to and study of paths that are not our
own.

It is my humble wish that the scholars, authors, researchers,
philosophers, historians, explorers, warriors, poets and dreamers of our
world will continue to utilize these resources and add to these
collections throughout time.


As the plaque commemorating the athenaeum donors proclaims:
"We speak from the past, into your future.
We bid you tend well the flame we have nurtured.
The work here is ended, and yet, just beginning."


In Service to Cyrene,
Beneficia


Penned by my hand on the 9th of Aeguary, in the year 476 AF.