Alan Marshall was an author of more than fifteen books, and lived much of his life in Eltham. He became a central figure in the area's arts community of writers, artists, sculptors, film makers, actors and musicians. He is shown stroking a book to his heart, perched on a crutch, which references his disability (contracted polio when he was young), and his status as one of Australia's most successful and loved authors. His most famous book, 'I Can Jump Puddles' is based on his life story and the obstacles he faced as a child in trying to overcome his disability. Marcus Skipper submitted the idea for the work to the first 'Art in Public Places' Awards in 1990. The selectors at the time recommended that the work would be more suitably placed near the Eltham Library. It was commissioned and installed for the new Eltham Library, which was designed by Greg Burgess in 1994. It was partially funded by the then Shire of Eltham's Art Development Fund (Eltham Arts Council) and the rest donated by the artist Marcus Skipper. This work has significance for its reference to two well known names associated with Eltham and its history. The sculpture is a realistic statue of the famous Australian author Alan Marshall who wrote "I Can Jump Puddles". He lived and worked in the Shire. The artist Marcus Skipper represents a highly recognised family of artists associated with Monsalvat. The sculpture 'Alan marshall' has been classified as of regional significance by the National Trust of Australia. A realistic depiction (almost life size) of Alan Marshall cast in bronze with green patination. Dressed in a jumper and slacks, Marshall is shown perched on a crutch, holding a book to his heart, gesturing to his audience to come and listen to his words. alan marshall, bronze, skipper, i can jump puddles, eltham library, novalist, ekphrasis2017, figure, public art

Fawcett Hall is 14 kilometres North West of Alexandra, North East Victoria, in Spring Creek Road and is set amongst a small picturesque rural farming and business community with hills as a backdrop and Stony Creek running alongside the public reserves property boundary. Part of our hall building dates back to its establishment in 1882. Originally the hall served as a Mechanics Institute and Public Library and later as a primary school.Colour photograph of a weatherboard Hall.fawcett hall and public library, fawcett, fawcett mechanics' institute

This annual report covers both the AGM of 1962 and a special AGM held in 1961. Articles include: celebration of Alice McClelland's 40 years of service, resignation of A. Brahe and L. Dextor as Trustees and appointment of R Bigwood and E Webb to replace them, extension of membership so that blind readers could become voting members, overview of the decisions and affects of the decision to become an incorporated entity and the name from Victorian Association of Braille Writers to Braille Library of Victoria, the use of subcommittees to handle entertainments, building, publicity, library and braille textbooks, property owned at 4 Margaret Street, South Yarra was subdivided into 2 lots and sold, Braille Boat House has been redecorated and renovate and available for hire, appointment of Alan Woods to assist as a Reviser for music transcription and Ivan Molloy in the Home Teaching Service, resignation of Joyce Bolger, appointment of Doreen Ross, Mr and Mrs Hinchcliffe left as honorary caretakers and death of Mrs J Rowe, past Mayoress of Ballarat, who was a keen subscriber of the Ballarat branch.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Jean Salvado the President of the Kingston Widows' Club sent this photo of a display in the Brighton Library. It is assumed to 1993 as that is the year that Clive James was Legacy Personality of the Year and his picture is included in the display. Also a photo of Weary Dunlop and the Changi Violin and the abseiling event involving Ron Barassi.A record of Legacy Week in 1993.Colour photo of a display case in Brighton Library.Handwritten on the back "Display case at Brighton Library for Legacy Week, 1993. By Jean Salvado, President Kingston Legacy Widows' Club"legacy week, legacy promotion

Photographs taken to show examples of the detail of a Bay Window in the Federation Period. One photo showing the bay window and weather board surrounding the window. The second photo a detail of the window.Two black & white photographs showing details of the front of a weather board building with a bay window.stawell residence homes

Built in 1918-1919, this distinctly styled building was constructed with the needs of returned blind soldiers in mind by architects Anketell and Henderson. Matting tracks were placed in the single level floor and handrails on the wall to guide users around the building. In 1929, two stained glass windows were constructed and placed in the building to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Louis Braille's birth. (These were removed and transferred to Kooyong when the library moved its operations in 2002.) The building is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.1 x col. photograph of red brick octagonal buildingbraille and talking book library, tilly aston

Originally in the Public Library of Victoria 1906. Collection of Margaret Scarlett. Used by her mother at Flower Farm Ely Road South Box Hill and 31 Drummond Street Blackburn.Dark green binding with black binding on back of book and each corner of book. Old stickers from Public Library Classification plus label in back of book for borrowers.Public Lending Library 1906 of Victoriabooks, medical

``Newspaper clipping from "The Post" 6-7-94 P9 Ringwood Mayor's Column. Cr Margaret Cheevers.Cr Cheevers welcomed John Binnion to the Ringwood library. He gave an excellent report on the progress of the new library.The Mayor also mentioned that Ringwood was in the government's next review of local government boundaries. A new Public Relations Consultant, Kate Shea, was welcomed to Ringwood Council`

Stamp set used in Carrie Murrell's lending library, run in conjunction with Murrell's Newsagency and shop, Sussex Street, Linton.Oblong, wooden stamp, with black handle and rubber face. When printed, stamp reads 'C. Murrell / Linton Library'. Stamp pad in shallow, metal container, "Stephen's No. 2 size 'Atlas' Rubber Stamp Pad" on lid."C. Murrell's/Linton Library".stamps, stamp pads, office equipment, murrell's newsagency and library

Series consists of I) 7 sepia toned photographs or Librarian Linda McConnell inspecting work on the site orthe new library. 2) 11 B& W, sepia and colour photographs or work on the site. 3) 3 laminated colour sketches: floor plan, roor plan & exterior 4) A set or approximately 280 colour snapshots documenting work on the construction site, arranged chronologically month-by-month. There are also 5 "panorama" panels or between 2-4 snapshots taped together. These have been mounted on acid-free card.shire of eltham archives, series listing

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities, are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. David Copperfield Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Collins Clear Type Press Further Information: Library of Classics The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 823 DIC Paste down front end paper has sticker from Warrnambool Children’s Library dated 1958 Front loose end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose end paper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service. flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, david copperfield, charles dickens

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: CEP (Community Employment Programs) allowed for duplication of master tapes for storage off-site and development of computer catalogue records, budget estimate requires raising $600,000 in funds which has resulted in 1987 facing serious financial challenges, negotiations with RVIB broken down as print-handicapped philosophy not shared, Braille Book of the Year judges (Joyce Nicholson, Barrett Reid and Stephen Murray-Smith) shortlisted titles for readers to vote upon (John Bryson, Evil Angels) and best narrator (The Bathurst) went to Sean Myers, organisational restructure, resignation of Barbara Johnston and David Blyth, appointment of Jill Keeffe, new borrowers now waiting 11 months to receive first book due to limited staffing levels, bright orange cassette containers introduced (replacing pouches), Otari duplicating system first year in use, 'In Future' and 'Australian Geographic' began, 45 audio magazines including 1 Greek and 3 Italian now circulating, Braille Reading Marathon held, large print collection expanded due to Fitzroy Public Library discarding stock, Versapoint embosser purchased and link with Royal Society for the Blind in South Australia through Braille book catalogue.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free LibraryHistorical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 1 1788 - 1796 Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1914Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, book, historical records of australia series 1 vol 1

Book prize awarded to Newton Wanliss for excellence in History by William Henderson Chair of Council. Newton subsequently donated the book back to the school for inclusion in the Weatherly LIbrary in 1937. Accession number 1812. The book was catalogued and call number 910.12 painted on spine. Socially significant item due to signature of William Henderson, founder of the school. Prizes were usually given in the name of the Headmaster. During Headmaster McCoy's time (1864 - 1874) the prizes were given in his name and at his expense. The school was between principals at Christmas 1876, hence the signature of William Henderson. Dark blue calf binding with gold borders to front and back covers, raised bands on spine with six compartments and gold title lettering; marbled endpapers; book plate on front cover verso; library plate on right endpaper; pages gilt-edged; black and white illustrations; left side of back endpaper missing; Book plate inside front cover; Ballarat College crest / 1st Prize for / History / AWARDED TO / N Wanliss / Xmas 1876 / W Henderson, Chairman. Book plate on right endpaper: Crest / Ballarat College Library / PRESENTED BY / Mr Newton Wanliss 1937 newton-wanliss, william-henderson, 1876, book-prize,

Articles include Sir Rohan Delacombe agreeing to become patron, staff rest room and kitchen added, improved lighting in the Hall, increase to 119 transcribers, resignation of Doreen Ross and appointment of V Wearne as Librarian, Mr and Mrs Woods have moved out of the flat - which is now occupied by Mrs Weir, thanks to Wesley College boys and their teacher Mr Rush looking after the garden, as well as Miss Haley who makes canvas bags in which volumes are dispatched, approach to Free Library Service Board for some financial assistance, and Ivan Molloy's speech to the Ballarat branch on the Home Teaching Service.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Articles include the death of R. Bigwood, a committee member for 40 years and former Vice President, Sir Rohan Delacombe (Patron) launched the library's first Open Day, large print and Moon books are becoming more in demand, four Tellatouch machines have been ordered, a sample tape recorder has been received from England, an electric Braille typewriter has been acquired, Mrs Weir has left the flat but Mr and Mrs Hood are now keeping an eye on the garden and building, Perkins Braillers are in high demand, a new auxiliary has been established in Altona, and Christmas card sales were higher than previous.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

Digital file only of copy provided on loanarthur street, cr. brian waters, cr. g.c. dreverman, eltham library, eltham public hall, eltham shire office, heidelberg regional library, heidelberg regional library committee, jones property, shire of diamond valley, shire of eltham, shire president, woolworths, yarra plenty regional library

Digital file only of copy provided on loancr. b.t. taylor, cr. g.c. dreverman, cr. j.v. mcconnell, cr. l.e. clarke, eltham library, heidelberg regional library, shire of diamond valley, shire of eltham, shire president, yarra plenty regional library

Paperback; xvi, 70 p. : ill. ; 30 cm.ISBN 0646113569mechanics' institute, healesville, libraries

Six printed architectural plans on paper: .1) .2) .3) Plan levels 1, 2, 3 .4) Sections aa-bb .5) North and south elevations .6) East and west elevationsarchitecture, central highlands, central highlands regional library, ballarat city library, plans

Colour photograph of a stained glass window on a double storey brick building. former ballarat east library, stained glass window, ballarat public library jubilee, architecture

Newspaper Clipping from "The Mail", 22 June 1993, Page 8, "Accident leads to award". Article written by Jodie HaythorneMany Ringwood landmarks are living testaments to the work of Alan Robertson.The former Ringwood Council chief executive officer was instrumental in developing the city's library, cultural and convention centre, aquatic centre, district centre and bypass. Mr Robertson received an Order of Australia medal (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday honors for service to local government and engineering.

Pattison Collection This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Essays Civil and Moral Advancement of Learning Author: Francis Bacon The Minerva Library of Famous Books Edited by G.T.Bettany Publisher: Ward Lock Bowden & Co Date: 1892 The label on the spine with the typed text PAT 824.3 BAC Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, essays civil and moral advancement of learning, francis bacon

The fictional novel “Our Mr. Wrenn: The Romantic Adventures of a Gentle man” was written by Sinclair Lewis. It was originally published in America in 1914 by Harper & Brothers. It was the first of Sinclair Lewis’ novels published in his real name. His first published book, “Hike and the Aeroplane was” published in 1912 using the pseudonym of Tom Graham. Flagstaff Hill’s copy of “Our Mr. Wrenn” was published in 1930 by Jonathan Cape of London. About SINCLAIR LEWIS (1885-1951) The author was born Harry Sinclair Lewis in 1885 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He was renowned as an American novelist, playwright and short story writer. His first writings were romantic poems and short stories. Six of his novels were published by the time Lewis was 36. Lewis won the 1926 Pulitzer Prize for his book “Arrowsmith” but declined because he had been helped in the writing of it by science writer Paul de Kruif, who received 25% of royalties on the sales. However, Lewis is listed as the sole author. Lewis received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930 for his “vigorous and graphic art of description and his ability to create, with wit and humour, new types of characters." He was the first author from the United States to receive this award. Lewis graduated from university in 1907. He worked as a reporter and editor for several publications. He was a prolific writer, publishing dozens of works and numerous articles, and became popular for his satire. Lewis married and divorced twice and died alone from a heart attack due to advanced alcoholism) near Rome on 10th January 1951, aged 66. This book is part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentle man whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service because he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself.Lewis’s book is significant for its association with the writer, who was the first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature (1930). This book is also significant for its connection with the Pattison Collection which, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Title: Our Mr. Wrenn: the romantic adventures of a gentle man Author: Sinclair Lewis Publisher: Jonathan Cape, London Date: 1930 Hardback board book covered with red linen, spine reinforced with blue. The author’s name is embossed in gold on the front cover. On the spine is a handwritten title and author, and a white adhesive label with a typed library call number. Inside the front cover are pasted labels and stamps. The book is part of the Pattison Collection originally belonging to the Warrnambool Public Library. It was once held by the Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library and the Corangamite Regional Library Service.Label on spine cover with typed text “PAT / FIC / LEW” Black handwriting on the spine “Our M- Wren” and “s. Lewis” Pastedown front endpaper has a label from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library, covered by another from the Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Serviceflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool public library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool books and records, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool children’s library, american novel, jonathan cape, harry sinclair lewis, sinclair lewis, tom graham, 1930 nobel prize for literature, sinclair lewis’ debut novel, fiction, romance, our mr wrenn

Annual report of the Braille & Talking Book Library including Minutes of the AGM, Board of Director's Report, President's report and financial statements. Items also included are: the 8% decrease in salaries until December saved $28K, first issue of Brailletter magazine, 6 month delay for new borrowers to receive service, growth in loans and books from Maxene Hewitt Children's Collection, End of Year Party not held due to financial constraints but Children's Christmas party did proceed, Jan Smark invited to overseas workshops, Employment Initiatives funding used for cassette cataloguing and talking book maintenance, resignation of E. Haynes and Hector Bathurst, and appointment of Michael Zifcak and Don Schauder.1 volume of text and illustrationsbraille and talking book library, annual report

from EDHS Newsletter No. 122, September 1998 - There is a new display in our local history cabinet in the Eltham Library. This time we have used our growing collection of material on Eltham, England. It includes the painting by Lionel Backhurst presented to us on behalf of Eltham Society by Clifford Crate. The booklet on the Eltham town sign that Clifford also brought is in loose leaf format so we have been able to include the whole of that which really presents an excellent summary of the important historic buildings of Eltham. Also on display is another painting by Lionel which was presented to Russell and Marion Yeoman. (Much of this material was presented to the Society during a visit by Margaret Taylor and Clifford Crate of the Eltham Society during Christmas/New Year 1997/98.)Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, art, clifford crate, displays, eltham library, eltham society (london), lionel backhurst, local history, margaret taylor