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 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent 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 has 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 1850’s to the late 1950’s 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 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Dictionary of Australian Biography Vol 2 Author: Percival Serle Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1949Label on spine cover with typed text 920 SER Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, dictionary of australian biography vol 2, percival serle

Dictionary of Australian Biography Vol 1 Author: Percival Serle Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1949Label on spine cover with typed text 929 SER Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Libraryflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, dictionary of australian biography vol 1, book, dictionary, biography, warrnambool public library

this book is my personal story, from boyhood to battlefield and beyond, written in my own words, reflecting on my life.cosgrove, peter, 1947-., generals - australia - biography, soldiers - australia - biography

General Sir Peter Cosgrove is one of Australia's most significant public figures. As a soldier he saw action in Vietnam, winning the Military Cross, and rose to the very top of his profession, becoming Chief of the Defence Force.cosgrove, peter, 1947-, governors general - australia - biography, soldiers - australia - biography

Biography of Alfred John Trinca (1884-1981) an Australian pathologist and surgeon, it explores his life and career, highlighting his contributions to medicine, particularly his work at the Alfred Hospital Melbourne.Of significance to the AHNL as Alfred Trinca had a long association with the Alfred Hospital.Illustrated book with dustjacket and clear protective film. Book has a dark blue cover with abbreviated title and authors surname embossed in gilt on spine. Dustjacket has a white background and black print, title, author's name printed on front. and A.J. Trinca on spine.Previous catalogue number handwritten in black ink on small white sticker at top right of front-end page.alfred john trinca, physicians-australia-biography, medical personnel-australia-biography

Garry Cooper is a natural and brilliant pilot with a determonation for perfection. He expects only perfection from himself from himself and others. Conflict arose many times through his career when he did not experience perfection from the bureaucracy to which he was subjected. vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - biography, soldiers - australia - biography, air pilots - australia - biography

Book - PaperbackGarry Cooper is a natural and brilliant pilot with a determonation for perfection. He expects only perfection from himself from himself and others. Conflict arose many times through his career when he did not experience perfection from the bureaucracy to which he was subjected. vietnamese conflict , 1961-1975 - biography, air pilots - australia - biography, soldiers - australia - biography

This is a complete, virtuoso analysis of an Australian life written by an unabashed ad unrepentant author - an acidic dissection of the role that genes and environment have in developing a person's character, as well as a sauntering chronicle of social analysis. vietnam war, 1961-1975 - veterans - australia - biography, veterans -- australia -- biography

Serving the nation in uniform is a career choice. But have you ever wondered about the life of a partner of these brave men andwomen?military spouses -- australia -- biography, families of military personnel -- australia -- biography

Ice Journey is the biography of Vietnam veteran and Antarctica expeditioner Dave Morgan, a self confessed ordinary bloke who has led anything but an ordinary life.post-traumatic stress disorder - australia, vietnam war, 1961 - 1975 - veterans - australia - biography, veterans - australia - biography

Index, bib, maps, plates, ill., p.320.non-fictionSocial history of the 18th and 19th century Ireland, England, Van Diemen's Land, Norfolk Island, Victoria and Western Australia via the life story of a woman convict, later free settler of the above named colonies.women convicts - australia -biography., irish - australia -biography

May in the Morning is the unique true story of a Vietnam soldier who was killed in action on his first wedding anniversary. An exceptional love story written from a woman's perspective, this book puts a human fact to the controversial war in Vietnam. australia. army - biography, soldiers - australia - biography, private christopher william roost, killed in action, pte christopher william roost, 4 rar charlie company, 4 rar

Based on a true story of an Australian soldier K.I.A. in Vietnam - his hopes, his dreams and the incredible love for his wife Mary.australia. army - biography, soldiers - australia - biography, pte christopher william roost, k.i.a., killed in action, 4 rar charlie company, 4 rar

Sydney : Readers Digest Services Pty Ltd, 1974 360 p. : ill.(some col.), facsims., maps, ports. ; 31 cm. non-fictionCyril Pearl provided historical guidance and contributed much of the textaustralia -- social conditions -- 20th century, australia -- social life and customs -- 20th century, australia -- biography., australia -- social conditions 1901-1970

non-fictionA biography of explorer, Captain William Hilton Hovell and his life and discoveries in Australia from 1813 until his death in Sydney on 9 November 1875.hovell, w. h. (william hilton), 1786-1875. | explorers -- australia -- biography. | australia -- discovery and exploration.

Ill, p.464.non-fictionBiographical sketches of 50 famous Australiansaustralia - biography, australia - history

Plates, ill, p.119.non-fictionThis book provides a brief outline of Parliamentary procedure and brief biographies of Australian Prime Ministers elected from 1901 - 1983.prime ministers - australia - biography, australia - politics and government

Plates, p. 265non-fictionA witty, humorous and entertaining account of politics and politicians.politicians - australia - biography, australia - politics and government

Index, ill (b/w)non-fictionThe best selling biography of Neil Davis, one of the worlds greatest cinecameramen and an extraordinary Australianjournalists - australia - biography, vietnamese conflict - 1961-1975

ill (maps), p.416.non-fictionRoden Cutler's list of honours is long and impressive, but it is his sole decoration, the Victoria Cross, that marks him as a hero. Colleen McCullough vividly shows us the life and times of the young soldier who came back from the war determined to continue to support his mother, but, having lost a leg, with no idea how to do so. Yet by the age of 29 he was the Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, and went on to achieve a distinguished diplomatic career including 15 years as the Governor of New South Wales. His story is embedded in Australian history, and part of it. diplomats - australia - biography, governors - new south wales - biography

index, ill (b/w). p.226non-fictionThis is the forthright, nuts-and-bolts account of the author's unmatched experience as a warrior, leader and teacher. Always one to lead from the front and to trust the courage and good sense of the ordinary infantryman, his interests have been strategy and battle tactics, leadership and training.soldiers - australia - biography, vietnamese conflict 1961-1975, malayan emergency 1948-1960

ill, notes, index, p.666non-fictionPompey Elliott was a remarkable Australian. During the Great War he was a charismatic, controversial, and outstandingly successful military leader. An accomplished tactician and the bravest of the brave, he was renowned for never sending anyone anywhere he was not prepared to go himself. As a result, no Australian general was more revered by those he led or more famous outside his own command. An officer on his staff even concluded that no greater soldier or gentleman ever lived.generals - australia - biography, world war 1914-1918 - history

p.228.non-fictionAs deputy director of the Australian War Memorial for many years, Michael McKernan had heard and written about many stories of war. For him, war was never about the big picture; it always came down to the individual. Yet little did he know when he met his future wife in 1989 that her father would soon be telling him, over many leisurely afternoons, his own story, of being made a slave to the Nazis in the Second World War, and its unforeseeable consequences.war and families - australia, ukranians - australia - biography

Ill, p.380.non-fictionBased on his diaries, this is a frank account of how Mason came first in French Foreign Legion basic training, trained other Legionnaires, went to Africa, did sniper, commando and medic's training and took part in two operations, both in the Republic of Djibouti, where a civil war nearly crippled the nation. It tells of his daily life in the Legion, in the training regiment, in Africa and with the Legion's Parachute Regiment. But more than this, David's gripping account reveals his disillusionment, frustration and disappointments, and how the Legion today is not what it seems.soldiers - australia - biography, france - military history

Ill, p.265non-fictionA story about a boy from the bush, his life in the army and later as he wanders in the Phillipinesvietnam war 1961-1975 – personal recollections – australia, soldiers - australia - biography

Ill, p.192.non-fictionA Vietnam Soldier K.I.A. and His True Love... is the unique true story of a Vietnam soldier who was killed in action on his first wedding anniversary. Based on the life of Pte C W Roost, the book tackles the horrors of war and in particular the loss of a loved one in the duty of service to his country. An exceptional love story written from a woman's perspective, this book puts a human face to the controversial war in Vietnam. At just 20 years of age Chris, like so many Australian young men, was conscripted into the army as a National Serviceman. After marrying his childhood sweetheart, Mary, Chris was posted to Vietnam in June 1968. This book follows Chris' adventures through training, marriage and war. It shares his thoughts through his precious letters to his family, and tells the incredible story of the impact of war on our young Aussies. Chris was killed in action on December 23rd 1968 - his first wedding anniversary. He lives on in this book. Collapse summary vietnam war 1961-1975 – personal recollections – australia, soldiers - australia - biography

Index, ill, maps, p.317.non-fictionBiographical histories of Australian Victoria Cross recepientsvictoria cross, soldiers - australia - biography

Ill, index, p.130.non-fictionThis is the tenth book of paintings, poetry and prose by Dacre Smythdacre smyth - biography, painters - australia - biography

Bibliography, ill, maps, p.455.non-fictionContinues the story of Albert Jacka, VC - soldier, legend and friend. Coming home is bittersweet and the memories and experiences of war are never forgotten. It is through the eyes of Jacka VC that we see a glimpse of how survival away from the trenches becomes an emotional battle on the homefront.albert jacka 1897-1932, soldiers - australia - biography