EMBARGOED UNTIL Monday 23 May ******€¦ · Monday 23 May 2016, Canberra: Step inside or visit library websites and we know that everyone will be surprised and perhaps a little amazed

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*****EMBARGOED UNTIL Monday 23 May ******

Top 10 list of #fabulousfinds from libraries that'll surprise you Monday 23 May 2016, Canberra: Step inside or visit library websites and we know that everyone will

be surprised and perhaps a little amazed at what you can find in libraries' collections.

It's been a three-month appeal for the #fabulousfinds - all those incredible things that you never

knew could be found in our libraries.

To celebrate Library and Information Week (23 - 29 May), the Australian Library and Information

Association (ALIA) has produced a top 10 list from the 131 entries.

ALIA CEO Sue McKerracher said: 'Our Members have an encyclopaedic knowledge of their

libraries so we asked for their help in finding the undiscovered, the wonderful and beautiful things

found in their collections.'

'We've had a marvellous response which shows that libraries have a lot to offer. Think about ebooks,

meeting rooms, magazines, music and DVDs, software, tools, historic documents, courses, talks and

more.'

'During this week when celebrate the vital role libraries play in our communities, work and personal

lives, we hope Australia will be more than a little bowled over with the list of what's available to see

and to use simply by being a library user. So open the library door or click online to discover more

at your library.'

'In no particular order and after a morning tea when some ALIA staff made their purely subjective

and very unscientific choices in between scones and biscuits - here's our top 10 list.' (see below)

'Sadly there were so many more #fabulousfinds we wanted to include, but you can still visit our

gallery to see all of the other contributions. Libraries are amazing resources, assets to the

communities they serve and are treasure troves of knowledge. Visit soon to discover more.'

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Top 10 Photo Description

1. Surprise

Possum

What could be more Aussie than finding a possum taking a

nap in a rubbish bin at the Nerang Library's (City of Gold

Coast QLD) check-in room. Staff at the library said: 'Usually

very adventurous and mischievous creatures, NerPossum,

as it was endearingly named, stayed restful for the day

before adoption at a more suitable establishment!'

2. Toilet roll

novel

This proves that you can write on almost anything. The

University of Queensland Library holds a truncated version

of a nine-chapter horror novella printed on toilet paper.

Doroppu by Koji Suzuki is set in a public restroom where a

nasty spirit lives in a toilet.

3. Penicillin

from 1940

Check out an early vial of one of the greatest discoveries of

all time - penicillin. This vial held in Rare Books and Special

Collections, University Libraries, The University of Adelaide.

dates from 1940 when penicillin was first produced. The vial

was produced by F.H. Faulding &Co and has a connection

Howard Florey, who with a team of scientists, changed the

course of history when they developed penicillin into an

antibiotic treatment - a medical discovery so significant, it

was recognised with a Nobel Prize. The vial is held as part of

the F.H. Faulding & Co. papers collection which relate to

the early production of penicillin. Learn more about Florey

and the discovery of penicillin. 4. Jumping

Castle

Glad to hear that the shelving in the Alice Springs Public

Library NT is on wheels - that way it could be moved back

to make way for a jumping castle. This event was a feature

of the library's Summer Reading Party and was just one of

many exciting programs which patrons enjoy.

5. Entrepreneur

in residence

This is Ian Reynolds, a great sounding board for people with

innovative business ideas who want to turn them into reality.

The State Library of Queensland's (SLQ) entrepreneur in

residence program connects Business Studio members with

experts through the library's partnership with coworking

space and start up incubator Little Tokyo Two. SLQ's Business

Studio is housed in a central location at the library featuring

an online hub and resources to assist with business planning

and research. The space can be used as an office away

from home to find the latest industry news and tips, and

network with likeminded people.

6. 3D printer

and tutorials

3D printers are being used to make everything from musical

instruments, robots, medical implants and devices and any

other component that you can think of. Karratha Public

Library (WA) is one of many public libraries in Australia with

a 3D printer where you can release your inner inventor.

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7. These boots

were made for

walking

Radiance, a Rachel Perkins’ film, tells the story of three

young Aboriginal women who return home to their house

on the northern Queensland coast where they grew up, for

their mother’s funeral. All have different reasons for

returning. In the space of 24 hours, they will begin to unravel

their somewhat complicated past. The Australian Institute

of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)in

Canberra holds a collection of material from the film,

including some of the props, and delightfully that includes

the cowboy boots worn by Deborah Mailman in the film.

Radiance was the third feature to be directed, and the first

to shot, by Indigenous Australians. It was screened on SBS

and was nominated for seven AFIs including best film and

best director.

8. Digital Lab

Australia's first Digital Lab in a library can be found at the

State Library of New South Wales. The lab delivers creative,

engaging and new ways to explore the Library’s

collections, data sets and services through a diverse range

of digital experiences. Existing and emerging technologies

are explored to build a range of digital experiences onsite,

online and on tour.

9. Grand Piano

The grand piano at Ryde Library NSW is not just for show. It’s

free to play for any skilled pianist. You never know when an

impromptu performance will begin. The piano is also used

every month for musical morning tea performances.

10. Love

Anthony and Cassandra found love at Max Webber Library

in Blacktown, NSW. Anthony worked with library staff to set

up the perfect wedding proposal at the very place they first

met. Watch the video.

ENDS

About the Australian Library and Information Association

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the professional organisation for the Australian

library and information services sector. With 5,000 members across Australia, we provide the national voice of

the profession in the development, promotion and delivery of quality library and information services, through

leadership, advocacy and mutual support. www.alia.org.au

Contact:

Heather Wellard, Communications Manager: [email protected] | 02 6215 8225 |

0409830 439