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The
Library of Alexandria was the most famous of all the
ancient libraries. Not only was it the largest in all antiquity,
it was the centre of scientific research, frequented by scholars
from all over the Mediterranean. The Library promoted knowledge
and openness, and for seven centuries was a beacon of learning and
science. As the world’s first university, it was attended by such
luminaries as Euclid, Eratosthenes and Archimedes.
The
ancient Library was the only truly universal library. Although there
is no exact record, it held, at its peak, approximately 700 000
scrolls. Anticipating our modern libraries, it catalogued all the
works it possessed, and enjoyed ‘legal deposit rights’, being entitled
to make a copy of every book that entered the country.
The
Library ceased to exist in the fifth century, more than two centuries
before the Arab conquest of Egypt. Regardless of its disappearance
over 1600 years ago, it lingers prominently in cultural memory.
Reviving
the idea of the ancient Library, in 1990 UNESCO and the Government
of the Arab Republic of Egypt set up a joint project to establish
a new Library at Alexandria, to be a universal centre of culture,
science and academic research. Generally known as the Bibliotheca
Alexandrina, it aims to be a meeting place for the cultures of east
and west, open to researchers from all over the world. An appeal
for donations went out to governments, scholars and individuals,
and the National Library of Australia made a generous contribution
of material in 2000. The Governor-General of Australia, Dr Peter
Hollingworth, attended the opening of the Bibliotheca in October
2002 on behalf of the Australian people.
On
Thursday 12 June at 5.30 pm, Mr Lorenzo Montesini, Chairman of the
Australian Friends of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, will present
a lecture, The Twin Histories of Alexandria and the Bibliotheca,
for the entertainment of Friends and guests. This is a very special
occasion, with slides and music. It will be followed by a reception
in the Library’s foyer.
Register
your interest early for this exciting Friends event. Admission is
by booking only!
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