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Message from Jan Fullerton, Director-General of the National Library of Australia, for the Library's Anniversary year in 2001 ... Celebrating 100 Years at the National Library of Australia
In 2001 the Council and staff of the National Library of Australia invite all Australians to join in the centenary celebrations of the nation's largest library and one of its oldest cultural institutions. This 100th anniversary celebration coincides with the Centenary of Federation, as it was in 1901 that the newly formed Commonwealth of Australia decided that a library should be created to serve the new Parliament. This library was the forerunner of today's Commonwealth Parliamentary Library and the National Library of Australia. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Library was initially housed in the original Parliament House building in Melbourne and in 1926 the Library moved to Canberra with the opening of Parliament House. The National Library of Australia was formally created in 1960 with the passing of the National Library Act when its activities were separated from those of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library and, in 1968, a magnificent building on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin was dedicated as its permanent home. This anniversary year provides the Library with an opportunity to celebrate both its history and its place in the Australian community. The Library has become one of the premier institutions in Australia supporting the development of ideas, scholarship, research and creativity. It ensures all Australians have access to Australia's historical record, creative achievements and intellectual endeavour. Importantly, the Library by treasuring our past contributes to the development of our future. While the National Library is celebrating its place in the Australian community we are also taking this opportunity to acknowledge the role many Australians have played in its development. Through the acquisition of invaluable formed collections as well as countless individual items, the Library has been able to gather a prodigious collection of records that reflect the evolution of our nation. During 2001 the Library is organising an exciting program of exhibitions, events, publications and projects to encourage all Australians to visit the National Library of Australia, discover our collections and services, and celebrate our history. I hope that many of you will be able to join us in the celebrations. Jan
Fullerton |