Celebrating the library building--40 years on.

Terry, Martin

The year was 1968. In the streets of Paris and Chicago there was rebellion in the air--and also on the dais at the Mexico Olympics, courtesy of a Black Power salute. In the arts world, it was also a time of change with the opening on Broadway of the controversial musical Hair.

Against this backdrop, on the other side of the world, the National Library of Australia's new building opened for business beside Lake Burley Griffin.

The building, which evoked the ancient Parthenon and was described by critic Laurie Thomas as 'monumental, severe and proud', might have seemed something of an anachronism. Instead, with the tortoise-like Academy of Sciences, it became an instant symbol of Canberra's modernity and optimism. Renderings of the interior by architect Arthur Robb reinforced this emphasis as a stylish destination: men wear natty suits, women are in stiletto heels.

Within two weeks of the Library opening, another 'national' institution also opened. Like the 'Shine Dome', designed by Roy Grounds, the National Gallery of Victoria, also by Grounds, repudiates light with a matt-black surface. The Library, by contrast, celebrates the Canberra sunshine. Linking the two projects, however, is exceptional stained-glass by Leonard French. Indeed, the Library is notable for the quality of its works of art and also the attention paid to the Australian-made furniture and fittings. Such largesse would probably be impossible today. This generosity extended to placing an important sculpture by Henry Moore on the Library's boundary, although critics at the time referred to this organic earth-mother as 'Henrietta'.

To celebrate the 40th birthday of the Library's building, the past will meet and greet the present with a day of celebration on Monday August 25.

Canberra ABC Radio 666 will broadcast from the foyer from 9 am to midday, featuring an interview with the Director-General, Jan Fullerton, on the Library's history and its future, talks with past and present staff, and a special cake-cutting ceremony.

After the broadcast, there will be a panel discussion, followed by an afternoon tea to celebrate 10 years of volunteer guides at the National Library. The iconic building will also be illuminated on the night to mark the occasion.

Forty years on, while some interior changes have necessarily been made and will continue to be made, the ensemble, including the landscaping, still works brilliantly--as icon, repository, and busy working library.

Martin Terry

Curator of Exhibitions, Public Programs