What is Stack?

The compactus storage shelving in the room behind the staff at Information Services is known as the "stack". Occasionally books end up here once they have been removed from the shelves at your local library branch.

Stack is divided into two main sections: Adult Fiction: Arranged in alphabetical order of author surname (right) & Adult Non Fiction: Arranged in Dewey numbered order (left). We also have a select range of junior fiction, assorted reference materials such as service manuals & telephone books, newspapers, serials (magazines), journals and Government Gazettes.

Some books are larger than most and require specialised shelving within stack. Most notably these are Quartos and Folios. Quartos usually measure approximately 23 cm by 30 cm, where as Folios are larger again, approximately 38 cm or more in height. Both often contain detailed illustrations and or photographs and maps. You'll find many art themed books in the quartos.

The stack is open to all patrons and details of holdings in this area appear on the catalogue. Keep your eye out for books marked either 'Quarto' or 'Folio'. And on a final note, when using the stack please ensure passageways are clear before moving shelving.

Treasures From The Archives Book Sale

Some books from the Information Services stack at Speers Point Library have been culled and will be sold at the library from 5 -16 January 2009.

There are many unique and collectible items, many over 50 years old. Second hand traders are welcome but please note, all items will be sold at their market value and there will be no previews. The hours of the sale will coincide with the opening hours of Speers Point Library.

For more information on this "once in a lifetime" opportunity refer to http://www.lakemac.com.au/downloads/whats%20on%20Dec%202008%20Jan%202009.pdf

The staff at Information Services would also like to take this opportunity to wish all our patrons and their families and friends a Merry Christmas and happy new year!

Regards; Glenn, Anita, Judy and Julie (right in red pants)

Member For Charlton & The Mining Maps

The Hon. Greg Combet AM MP (pictured left with Council's Jo Smith) recently took time out of a busy schedule to pay us a visit at Information Services. During his time with us the Member for Charlton presented us with a heritage grant and inspected part of the donated collection which the money will help preserve.

The collection referred to incorporates several thousand maps detailing aspects of many of the region's coal mines as well as early plans of Wangi Power Station. Several of the maps date back to the 1950s and include accident reports.

This extensive and culturally significant collection had been formerly located at the old Rhondda Colliery near Teralba. Lake Macquarie Library took ownership in 2000 and the maps have been housed it in the vicinity of Morisset Library since then.

In 2007, the library successfully applied for a federally funded Community Heritage Grant which enabled us to commission a significance assessment for the collection. Following on from this, Council applied for a supplementary grant aimed at gaining assistance in preserving the items. We were again successful in our application and as a result, Mr Combet (himself a former mining engineer) presented us with the grant in person.