Library Special Collections

Joy Cuskey (later Joy Brucek), Alice Springs' first librarian, supervising the arrival of the Library's first books in 1958.

Alice Springs Collection

The Alice Springs Collection is unique in its focus on Central Australia - its history, geography and cultural, scientific and economic development. The collection is a record of both the area's heritage and of change, encompassing the movement of Europeans into the area, economic activities such as pastoralism, mining and indigenous art movements, and the area's many active local organisations.

Akaltye Antheme - Local Knowledge Collection

Akaltye Antheme - Local Knowledge Collection

Akaltye Antheme pronounced ‘aculcha andum’, is a local knowledge collection intended to give the whole community an insight into contemporary Indigenous issues while addressing appropriately the needs of Indigenous family groups and individuals using the library. Akaltye Antheme is an Arrernte term meaning ‘Giving Knowledge’.

It was given by Lhere Artepe, the Alice Springs native title holders' organisation, to describe the purpose and content of this library initiative.

Local Languages Collection

This Collection has two aims: to promote own language literacy among Indigenous people; and to promote awareness of Central Australian languages among non-Indigenous patrons and visitors to the library. This is the Library's newest Collection and was established in 2008.

Currently it holds resources in these languages: Eastern, Central and Western Arrernte; Warlpiri; Anmatjerr; Luritja and Pitjantjatjarra. These resources have been produced locally; most of them are designed for people learning to read. The number of languages in the collection will grow as resources are produced.

For further information, please contact Special Collections Librarian, Kathryn Bailey on 08 8950 0507; Indigenous Services Officer, Wanda Iles on 08 8950 0508; or email library@astc.nt.gov.au

Nevil Shute

Nevil Shute Collection

Because A Town Like Alice is one of Nevil Shute's most renowned books, the Nevil Shute Norway Foundation has contributed to Alice Springs Public Library in a number of ways. The Foundation has supported the development of the Nevil Shute Memorial Garden in the Library grounds; donated a complete hard copy set of Nevil Shute's works for permanent display; and donated recordings of some of his books for loan.