Jessie Street National Women's Library

Welcome to the Jessie Street National Women's Library, a specialist library located in Ultimo, Sydney. This library is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and promoting the literary and cultural heritage of Australian women. The library was founded by Shirley Jones and Lenore Coltheart in response to the difficulty of locating material about the experiences and issues relating to women in Australia. The library's objectives are to heighten awareness of women's issues, preserve documents on women's lives and activities, support the field of women's history, and highlight women's contribution to this country's development. The library is named after Jessie Street, a key figure in Australian political life for over 50 years. She was a passionate advocate for women's rights and campaigned tirelessly for human rights and women's issues. In fact, she was the only female Australian delegate at the founding of the United Nations in 1945. In 1967, she initiated a successful amendment to the Australian constitution to remove discriminatory references to Aborigines. The library's patrons include Jessie Street's son Sir Laurence Street, the Hon Elizabeth Evatt AC, and poets Judith Wright and Oodgeroo Noonuccal. The library is currently staffed by volunteers and is located in the Ultimo Community Centre, a venue provided by the City of Sydney Council. Visitors to the Jessie Street National Women's Library can expect to find an extensive collection of books, journals, and other materials related to women's history and culture in Australia. The library's knowledgeable volunteers are always on hand to assist visitors with their research needs and answer any questions they may have. In addition to its impressive collection of materials, the library also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including talks, workshops, and exhibitions. These events provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the library's collection and learn more about the important contributions that women have made to Australian society. Overall, the Jessie Street National Women's Library is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in women's history and culture in Australia. With its impressive collection of materials, knowledgeable volunteers, and engaging events, this library is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Location: Ultimo

Inception: 1989

Website: nationalwomenslibrary.org

Source: Wikimedia