It is most pleasant to be able to record that the State Library has been provided with 27 new positions (18 librarians and 9 attendants).

Consequently, the restrictions on hours from which the La Trobe Library has suffered since its opening in 1965, and which have caused so much protest and agitation, will be lifted. The Library is already open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From early in 1972 it will also be open on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Friends have written to congratulate the Chief Secretary, the Hon. R. J. Hamer, for his grand gesture of support and faith. Students of all ages should bless his name.

is a section of the State Library of Victoria and is Victoria's Chief research-centre and reference library for Australian history and literature. It is the State's principal repository for manuscript material, historical paintings, newspapers, etc., relating to the history of Australia and the Pacific and especially Victoria.

is a society founded in 1966. Its aims are to publicise the Library, to attract financial support for it, to help to fill gaps in the book-collection, and to encourage the donation of manuscript and other material.

With regard to the last objective, the Friends seek to locate diaries, letters and other family or institutional papers which have survived, and to acquire such material for the Library or to arrange to have it photo-copied by negotiation with the owners.

The Friends' Patrons are H. E. The Governor, Sir Henry Winneke, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., O.B.E., K.St.J., Q.C. (Patron-in-Chief); Hon. R. J. Hamer, E.D., M.L.A.; Hon. Sir Henry Bolte, G.C.M.G.; the Lady Casey; Professor R. M. Crawford.

The Friends' office-bearers are: President, Professor A. G. L. Shaw; Vice President, Dr. Geoffrey Serle; Hon. Treasurer, S. R. C. Wood, Esq., D.F.C.; Hon. Secretary, John Holroyd, Esq.; Librarian, Miss Kathleen Young (La Trobe Librarian).

New Friends will be welcomed, especially if they are prepared to be active. The annual subscription is $12 (which includes the Journal). The Friends' address is State Library of Victoria, Swanston Street, Melbourne. 3000.

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