National Library 50th Anniversary Show and Tell

19 November 2015

National Library 50th Anniversary Show and Tell

The National Library is hosting a special day of ‘show-and-tell on the 28th of November to celebrate its 50th birthday.

Visitors are invited to discover the stories behind some of the library collections from the last 50 years. There will be a tour of the underground maze of library stacks, and special insights into current exhibitions such as Unfolding the Map and Not one More Acre which commemorates the Māori Land March 40 years on.

Seldom seen items from the Alexander Turnbull Library, include hand-made pistons and other bike engine parts made by Burt Munro, the Earth Platinum atlas which at 150 kilograms is the largest ever published, and Katherine Mansfield’s passport.

For the kids there will be storytelling and other activities. Actor Jimmy O’Donovan will bring to life Margaret Mahy’s A Lion in the Meadow and other notable titles. Mahy was a former staff member.

National Librarian Bill Macnaught says, “We know that many people are surprised by the richness and diversity of our collections. Next Saturdayis a special opportunity to gain some surprising insights into the treasures we care for on behalf of all New Zealanders. It's also a chance to learn more about the new ways we share knowledge across New Zealand using the latest digital tools."

Special activities and viewing times begin at 10am and finish at 3.30pm on Saturday 28 November at the National Library of New Zealand, corner of Molesworth & Aitken Streets, Thorndon, Wellington.

For a full timetable of activities, visit www.natlib.govt.nz.

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