Friends of the Library
About the friends
The Friends of the University of Sydney Library have been a vital part of our community for over 60 years.
Since the first Annual General Meeting of the Friends in 1962, their generous contributions have facilitated the acquisition, conservation and digitisation of rare scholarly materials—from medieval illuminated manuscripts to seminal mathematical and medical texts. Notable contributions include facsimile editions of The Book of Kells and The Lindisfarne Gospels, and manuscripts by iconic Australian poets Douglas Stewart and Henry Lawson.
The Friends presented the Library with its first (1966), second (1976) and third (1983) millionth books, and in recent years have supported the Printer in Residence program.
Additionally, the Friends advocate for the Library’s collections and services through their networks and assist in acquiring expert advice for rare books, manuscripts, and other materials.
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)
For more information about the history of the Friends, read “Per adua ad libros” The Friends of the University of Sydney Library 1961 – 1984 by John Fletcher.
The Friends Committee
The Committee oversees the activities 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 Collections Manager, ex officio).
Join
By joining the Friends, you will become part of a community of like-minded people with a common interest in the work of the Library. You will also receive special invitations to Library exhibitions and events, including talks about collection highlights.
Membership is free and we welcome new members at any time.
Image 1-2: Friends of the Library talk: Professor Emeritus Margaret Harris on The Three-Decker Novel, April 2024
Image 3: Friends of the Library talk: Dr Olivia Murphy on Ada Lovelace, August 2023
Images 4-5: Friends of the Library talk: Dr Aaron Nyerges on William Faulkner, September 2023
Image 6: Friends of the Library talk: Lynette Olson on The Melocco Bros meet the Book of Kells, September 2024
Related information
Make a tax deductable donation to support the acquisition and preservation of our timeless collections.