Thursday 31 July 2025

From Convict Printers to Book Arcades Australia’s contribution to global histories of the book

Melbourne Athenaeum Library, Rare Books Melbourne

Speakers: Wallace Kirsop, Judy Donnelly and Des Cowley

The recently published From Convict Printers to Book Arcades completes the three volume History of the Book in Australia, a project begun in the 1990s. It takes its place alongside other projects emanating from Britain, France, America, and Canada that have sought to document global histories of the book. Join the volume’s editors Wallace Kirsop and Judy Donnelly in conversation with Des Cowley as they discuss the genesis of the Australian project, how they succeeded in bringing this significant publishing project to fruition, and their thoughts on its contributions to international scholarship.

Presented by: Rare Books Melbourne in partnership with Melbourne Athenaeum Library
at The Melbourne Athenaeum Library, Level 1, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne

I may add colour to the books at a later date. This was the sketch completed on location in the 60 minutes of the talk.

Come into Moominland

Speakers: City of Melbourne Children’s Librarians

Bring your children along to experience the world of Moomintroll, the Snork Maiden and Snufkin as conceived by Tove Jansson, a multi–talented Finnish author, illustrator and sculptor. Since 1945 in Swedish and 1950 in English, the Moomins have captivated generations of children. They have featured in storybooks, picture books, comic strips, animated cartoons and iPad apps. Our children’s librarians will guide your children into the idyllic Moominvalley to share the adventures of the Moomin family and their friends.

Original editions and collector’s Moomintroll books on display.

Presented by: City of Melbourne Libraries

at North Melbourne Library, 66 Errol Street, North Melbourne