The Collection
The library covers a wide range of the works of religious writers, particularly Catholic authors. The areas of philosophy, theology, scripture, church history and devotional literature are represented in considerable depth and breadth.
A particular feature of the collection is the large range of biographical works. Biographies and autobiographies of many of the outstanding figures in the Church, past and present, provide the scholar, or general reader, with valuable insights into their lives and times. Our holdings of biographies of the saints is extensive and popular with many of our readers.
Operation
The library is a subscription lending library. Members are entitled to borrow four books at a time, for a period of thirty days. Only books from the general collection may be borrowed; neither periodicals nor books from the Reference section are available for loan. Non-members are welcome to use the library for reference purposes, but are not eligible to take books out on loan.
The Committee publishes a Newsletter several times a year to bring members’ attention to recent developments in the holdings or events at the library.
The Committee also arranges talks and seminars to stimulate interest in Catholic thought and culture. Attendees typically find that our collection includes a good range of works relevant to the topic of each session and are therefore motivated to read further in that subject area.
Organisation
The library is an independent and voluntary organisation. It is registered under the Incorporated Associations Act and its formal name is Caroline Chisholm Library Incorporated. It is run by a committee of management elected at the Annual General Meeting.
The library depends on subscriptions and donations for its funding and is staffed and managed on a voluntary basis.
Opening Hours
Opening hours are listed on our Contact page.
