Avondale Libraries names long-serving academic as first honorary patron
Avondale Libraries has used the launch of a supporters group to name as its first honorary patron an academic whose writing is prolific and readable.
The title honours Conjoint Associate Professor Dr Norman Young’s ability to discover new ideas about which to write and then to present these ideas in everyday language.
“Norm is widely read and knowledgeable but also approachable and genuinely interested in others,” says Director of Library Services Michelle Down. “He loves the library and he loves books and learning.” Down illustrates this with an anecdote. “Norm was making one of his frequent visits to the library when we announced the closing time. He remonstrated with us because we were closing five minutes earlier than advertised.”
Young described libraries as “centres of learning” during his speech at an event marking the launch of Friends of the Library on February 20. A love of libraries and a love of books and journals—“the real food of the soul of the mind”—is important, he said. “Not everything is on the internet.”
However, every library is evolving as technology and our relationship with it changes. The most important service Avondale Libraries provides: not holding items for loan but facilitating research. “We employ four reference librarians across two campuses to help staff members and students with their research,” says Down. “We offer training and workshops to encourage research and introduce our on- and off-campus students to databases, ebooks and other online resources.” The naming of Young as honorary patron adds credibility to this service, says Down.
Young joins academic, minister and musician Dr Lyell Heise and the late long-serving Head of Music Alan Thrift as honorary patrons at Avondale. Avondale Conservatorium named the latter at the first of its annual soirees in 2015.
Young graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in theology from Avondale in 1965 and joined the faculty in 1973. He retired as a Senior Lecturer in 2004.
Friends of the Library is a network of Avondale alumni and members of the community who support Avondale Libraries and its collections. Avondale Libraries is organising seven Friends of the Library events in 2018. Visit www.avondale.edu.au/events for information.
Friends of the Library
Become a Friend of the Library to receive invitations to events organised by Avondale Libraries, a discount on membership of Avondale Libraries, a subscription to the Avondale Libraries newsletter, recognition as a supporter of Avondale Libraries and an invitation to an annual banquet.
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