From physical collections to creating connections: A new library for ACU Blacktown

By Anita Sulentic, 8 April 2023
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Paramatta, blessed the ACU Blacktown Library accompanied by Fr Pawel Barszczewski OP, Chaplain Campus Ministry, ACU and Dr Valentina Mukuria, Dean of ACU Blacktown. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

 

Following two years of harsh lockdowns and border closures, the university sector is finally recovering with students back on campus and international students returning to our shores.

At ACU Blacktown, which has only been open for under three years, the campus is continuing to grow in terms of student numbers as well as facilities and services on offer.

On Tuesday 28 March 2023, members of ACU Executive, staff and students were joined by Bishop Vincent Long, Dr Stephen Bali, Member for Blacktown as well as the University chaplain, local priests, partners and guests to open the new Library.

The Dean of ACU Blacktown, Dr Valentine Mukuria opened the proceedings with her wonderful sense of humour and grace. Bishop Vincent Long led the liturgy and gave his praise to the team for the long-awaited new facility.

“Although we are in an age of digital technology, libraries are still relevant as places of learning through reading, reflection, group sharing and exchange of ideas. Hence, we are celebrating not just physical structures and spaces but above all, of a presence of the spirit that will inspire, stimulate, enhance and even transform lives and relationships. It will respond to a great need of this burgeoning campus. On behalf of the whole Diocese, I want to thank you for your vision, dedication and commitment to Catholic education,” he said.

Janet Fletcher, Director of Libraries at ACU echoed this sentiment.

“Contemporary libraries are now no longer containers of books but are containers for people – we have moved from physical collections to connections, from rows of shelves to intelligent and flexible spaces that provide a sense of belonging and place.

“I think Blacktown’s campus physical library reflect this.  It is modern, light and airy, its shelving is discrete and there are plenty of different spaces for our students and staff to use.  It is a space for potential, where our people are free to create, connect, share and grow.  We often like to say that the library is the heart of the campus and I’d say we have successfully achieved this at Blacktown,” she said.

After blessing the library with an extraordinary amount of holy water, Bishop Vincent and all guests enjoyed a special cake and morning tea.

The new library has access to many special collections such as The Aquinas Collection, St Paul’s Theological College Collection and The Percy Jones Collection. It also is home to a heritage edition of the Saint John’s Bible, with seven volumes on display at ACU campus libraries across Australia.

This Bible is a work of art and theology, as a team of artists coordinated by Donald Jackson in Wales and a team of scholars in Minnesota brought together the ancient techniques of calligraphy and illumination with an ecumenical Christian approach to this Bible rooted in Benedictine spirituality. The result is a living document and a monumental achievement that is on display as soon as you enter the library.

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