Parliamentary Library’s contribution to New Zealand library development

The October 2008 edition of the New Zealand Library and Information Journal contains an article by John E. Martin about how the Parliamentary Library, its librarians and supporters have contributed to library development in New Zealand. Reference is made to the development of the newspaper collection, New Zealand collection and the international documents collection. Its relationship with the Alexander Turnbull Library and the formation of the National Library is also highlighted.

 

The same issue has a review of the book Parliament’s Library – 150 years that was launched in September to celebrate the Library’s 150^th anniversary.

 

An electronic copy of the journal is available on the LIANZA Internet site

http://www.lianza.org.nz/publications/journal/index.html

150th Event Images

As all diligent librarians should, we have carefully recorded the anniversary events. Ross Becker has produced many notable images – some of which we offer in compilations for your delectation. Many thanks to Ross. There are photos of the library in lights, the book launch on 10 September, the staff reunion on 12 September, Parliament’s Open Day on 14 September, and the Victorian afternoon tea party on 19 September. These are but a small selection of the full range of images recording the memorable events associated with the 150th birthday of the Parliamentary Library.

 

 

Follow the link to see the 14 compilations: http://tiny.cc/GPBvY

 

 

 

 

 

Interview on Radio New Zealand National

On Sunday 28^th of September the Parliamentary Historian, Dr John E. Martin was interviewed by Lynn Freeman about the history of Parliamentary Library for the Arts on Sunday programme. The interview takes the listener on a tour of parts of the building with a commentary on its history, building, notable events, collection and treasures.

 

The audio is available for download on the Arts on Sunday section of the Radio New Zealand website  beginning at 14.48 and running for just over 9 minutes.

 

http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/artsonsunday

Blowing the candles out!

The Parliamentary Library held a bake-off competition morning tea on 22 September as the final event in the celebrations commemorating the 150 years of the library. This was organised by the Social Committee. Staff entered a wide range of cakes and other goodies and the three judges found it extremely difficult to decide on a winner. Eventually the competition was decided on the toss of a coin – a beautifully presented lemon cake just prevailed over a tasty chocolate and cream cheese concoction. Only then did it emerge that one of the judges herself had contributed the winning cake!! No wonder she was rather silent during the deliberations!  The prize was a copy of Parliament’s Library – 150 Years. A monstrous chocolate cake in the shape of 150 years got a special commendation for imagination. To celebrate the occasion a cake illustrated with photos of the library building by day and lit up at night was adorned with candles – and we can say that with the blowing out of the candles and the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ the 150th anniversary was brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

Library 150th staff function

Retired Parliamentary Librarian Hillas MacLean unveils a painting by Peter McIntyre purchased to commemorate the anniversary

 

On Friday 12^th of September current and former Parliamentary Library staff gathered in the Library to celebrate 150 years of library service and renew many friendships. Former staff had travelled from Australia, Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch especially for the event. Some of the former staff had worked in the library as early as the 1950s and many took the opportunity to visit old and new areas of the building. The formalities included an item by the Library choir, unveiling a painting and speeches from former Parliamentary Librarians and the Parliamentary Historian. A highlight of the evening was the group photographs impressively marshalled by one of the current staff members. The 150^th project group would like to thank everyone involved in this memorable occasion.

 Past and present staff mingle

 

150th Greetings from former staff

Dearest former colleagues and all others present on this very special occasion.
I wish you all a wonderful time celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Parliamentary Library.
Would dearly love to be there amongst you. In thought I am and am sure all the other colleagues that could not be present,  wherever they may find themselves on  the globe,  will be there in thought as well. So it is going to be a global happening! Warmest regards, Johan.

 

Congratulations to John and the Library team on this special day – from a sunny Eastern Cape VSA assignment, carrying the Library research experience far and wide! Sandra.

 

Hope you all have a great weekend. I would have loved to be there – so many names I recognise, both from WGA and library school. For those wondering if they recognise my name – I was a library assistant in cataloguing in 1979 (hello Tholla and Jan!) then worked in acquisitions/serials in 1980 (greetings to Ruth, Cheryl, Lynn and Roger) before library school in 81. Lorna

 

Hi colleagues of 5 years ago, I hope you have a really good party.

I recall the good times in social policy, in between work the Maori singing, a soccer team, laser war game evening, naked protests against GE, a tractor going up the steps, the Lord of the Rings premiere, getting lost in the basement but never squashed by a moving stack. Mark.

 

My very best wishes for the occasion. I have followed the blog with interest and was so pleased to see so many familiar names in the list of attendees. I am so sorry not to be there myself. Gerald.

 

Congratulations and best wishes to all for the 150^th. If you are in Brisbane come and visit. Marisa.

 

To all my work mates from WGA, many of whom are still good friends several decades later, have a wonderful weekend re-united. Wendy. 

 

Parliament’s Library – 150 years

From left: Moira Fraser (Parliamentary Librarian), Hillas MacLean (retired Parliamentary Librarian), Ian Matheson (retired Parliamentary Librarian), and John Martin

On the 10^th of September the Speaker Hon Margaret Wilson launched a book on the history of the Parliamentary Library called Parliament’s Library – 150 years by Dr John E. Martin. The function was held in Parliament’s Grand Hall and was attended by a large number of people. The text of the Speaker’s speech is available on the Parliament website

http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/Admin/Speaker/Speeches/

Lighting the Library

As part of the Library’s 150^th celebrations the front of the Parliamentary Library building is being lit up with many hundreds of lights. The library was lit up in a similar manner in September 2007 in a re-creation of the lighting effect of one hundred years earlier when New Zealand first celebrated Dominion Day. This year more lights have been placed on the upper roof line and the exterior washed in coloured lights. To see photos of the building in 2007 and 2008 go to the flickr link on this site.

 

Your 150th Committee

 

 

 

 

 

Over the months leading up to the 150th anniversary of the Parliamentary Library a committee led by Ruth Graham has planned the events. We thought it was time that this committee was put on the record. From left to right: Mike Keane, Paul Bellamy, Bill Lake, John Martin, Ruth Graham, Jill Taylor, Sarah Kreig, Kate Peacocke, Felicity Rashbrooke, Carolynne Stormer, Katherine Close (Project Sponsor) and Ellen Fitzsimons.

Calling former WGA staff

The plans for the 150^th celebrations are progressing. Nearly 140 former staff have registered with the Library to receive information about the activities. If you are a former staff member and want to join us please contact the Library 150^th project group. Go to the about page on the blog to find the email contact address.