Official launch of the Sir C.M. Yonge Collection

Last week we officially launched the Sir C.M. Yonge Collection at JCU Library, so we thought we'd share a few photos from this exciting event! An enthusiastic crowd of invited guests, university staff and students turned out for the launch, which was held on Wednesday, 24 October. Special guest speakers included JCU Vice Chancellor, Sandra Harding; AIMS CEO, Paul Hardisty; and leading expert on coral reef research, Charlie Veron. After the speeches, those in attendance were given the opportunity to view a selection of rare books from the Yonge Collection. Library staff and volunteers had trained to be "rare book guardians" for the showcase, and each "guardian" was armed with a wealth of knowledge about the books on show, providing a genuinely unique experience for those present. A short video presentation by Christopher Yonge (son of Sir Maurice Yonge), who shared personal memories and photographs of his father, capped off a truly special morning.

Library Director, Helen Hooper, addressing the audience at the launch of the Sir C.M. Yonge Collection. Pictured in the front row are: Sandra Harding, Bill Tweddell, Charlie Veron, Chris Cocklin, Paul Hardisty. Photo: Amber Swayn

Pictured L-R at the launch of the Sir C.M. Yonge Collection are: Maria Liliana Ortega, Charlie Veron, Sandra Harding, Paul Hardisty, Lisa Capps. Photo: Amber Swayn

JCU Library staff member and Rare Book Guardian, Samantha Baxter, carefully turning the pages of one of the rare books from the showcase. Photo: Amber Swayn

Special Collections Volunteers (and Rare Book Guardians), Suzie Davies and Liz Downes, showing rare books at the launch of the Sir C.M. Yonge Collection. Photo: Amber Swayn