Ron Miller
15 December 2014: The University of Canberra and the Lu Rees Archives of Australian Children's Literature renewed their partnership recently, with award-winning author Bob Graham on hand to celebrate by reading to some of his young fans.
Winner of the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Children's Fiction, Mr Graham kept his young audience enthralled when he read from his prize-winning book Silver Buttons to children from Wiradjuri Preschool and Childcare Centre at the re-signing ceremony on 10 December.
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Award-winning writer Bob Graham has children from the Wiradjuri Preschool and Childcare Centre spellbound during his reading of his book Silver Buttons. Photo: Vanessa Lam |
The event at the INSPIRE Centre marked the University renewing its formal agreement as sponsor of the archives, which are based at the University's Library.
The archives hold more than 26,000 books, audiotapes, artwork and photographs, including original artwork from Mr Graham's books. The total value of the archives' collection is estimated at $6 million.
"The signing is a significant milestone for the Lu Rees Archives and recognises its new status as an independent body, after many wonderful years in the hands of the ACT Branch of the Children's Book Council," director of the archives Belle Alderman said.
"And I'm thrilled that Mr Graham, whose book Silver Buttons has won more than 50 international and national awards in addition to this latest accolade, could join us for this special occasion."
Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker said the University was delighted to renew its partnership with the archives, which dates back to 1980 when the archives first came to the campus.
"The archives' collection has national significance and provides a unique research resource for university students from across Australia and overseas, as well as the local community," Professor Parker said.
