I was unable to write about the Kenneth Myer Lecture in last month’s column due to printing deadlines, but such a prestigious event on the Friends’ calendar is certainly worthy of a belated mention this month. A full house turned out to hear the Hon. Fred Chaney deliver this year’s lecture on the topic of fairness and disadvantage in Australian society, and the role of government in addressing these issues. Fred is an engaging and informed, witty but serious speaker, and gave a very pertinent yet warm and informal talk before taking questions from the audience. We then adjourned to the foyer to enjoy the hospitality on offer from the Bookplate restaurant, and a glass of Rosemount. On the whole, an interesting and enjoyable evening was had by all who attended. Don’t forget that for those who missed the occasion, Fred Chaney’s speech is available for viewing on the National Library’s web site, and the recorded version has been lodged with the Library’s Oral History Collection. §§§ The other major event on the Friends calendar takes place on Sunday 1 December, when the Friends will be celebrating the life and work of Mem Fox. Mem is one of Australia’s, and the world’s, most renowned children’s writers; she is the multiple prize-winning author of, amongst other works, the mega-selling Possum Magic, which is still Australia’s most popular school library book 18 years after its initial publication. The Canberra Times’ literary editor Jennifer Moran has compiled a wonderful tribute to Mem, which includes contributions from Belle Alderman, the first Professor of Children’s Literature in Australia; Jane Covernton, Mem Fox’s first publisher at Omnibus Books; and Julie Vivas, who illustrated Mem’s first two books, including Possum Magic. Please come along for a family afternoon that will start formally in the Library Theatre—then join Mem for afternoon tea and book-signings in the foyer, receive a complimentary-to-Friends copy of her Celebration book, and discover the magic that is Mem Fox. §§§ I hope that everyone remembered to submit to me their nominations for election to the Friends Committee. New members of the 2003 Committee will be elected at our Annual General Meeting (and Christmas party) at the National Library on 10 December. Please be sure to attend the meeting if you are interested in voting for the new members of the Committee, and voting on the five Special Resolutions to the Rules of the Committee that you received in last month’s mail-out. Of course, it won’t be all business—do come simply to enjoy the Christmas festivities and to see some old friends. JAMES
HALLIGAN |
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