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Friends of the
University of Sydney Library

Support the Library’s interests and enjoy special access
to collections, exhibitions and events.

May it continue for ever as the source of light and learning to the inhabitants of Australia. This generation will soon pass away but the torch of learning will be handed down by the influence of this great library to generation after generation of Australian scholars.

University Chancellor, Sir Henry Normand MacLaurin, on the opening of Fisher Library in 1909 (Radford & Fletcher, 1984).

About the Friends

Founded in 1962, the Friends assist, encourage and promote the interests of the University of Sydney Library through:

  • Offering expert advice and assistance in rare books, manuscripts or other materials
  • Gifts of money, books and other cultural items
  • Networking to gain support for the Library, its collections and services.

History of the Friends

Read more about the history of the Friends in John Fletcher’s essay

“Per ardua ad libros” The Friends of the University of Sydney Library 1961-1984

Committee of the Friends

  • President
     

    Ross Coleman

  • Vice President
     

    Kim Wilson

  • Hon Secretary/Treasurer
     

    Emeritus Professor Nerida Newbigin

  • Patron
     

    Dr Neil Radford

  • Members
     

    Janet Flint
    Evan Bailey
    Professor Margaret Harris
    Philip Kent, University Librarian (ex officio)
    Julie Sommerfeldt, Rare Books and Special Collectins Manager (ex officio)

How to join

Complete and return the application form.

Be a part of something timeless

By joining the Friends you will experience:

A supportive network

Join a community of like-minded people with a common interest in the work of the Library.

Special invitations

Receive special invitations to Library exhibitions and events.

Talks and functions

Be invited to periodic meetings of The Friends of the University of Sydney Library.

Become a Friend of the Library

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have died.

The University of Sydney Library acknowledges that its facilities sit on the ancestral lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have for thousands of generations exchanged knowledge for the benefit of all. Learn more