Adopt a Book Programme

The Barr Smith Library holds many early printed and rare books collected largely through generous donation. This is a working collection and these unique and valuable resources support and stimulate the University’s extensive and varied teaching and research programmes.

Many of these items, now housed in Rare Books and Special Collections, are in need of repair and restoration to ensure the works are available for the continued benefit of future generations of scholars.

This body of work is beyond the means of regular Library funds but offers an opportunity for friends and supporters of the Library to make a donation to the programme, or to adopt a particular book of interest to them or their family, or as a memorial to a loved one.

There is a wide range of titles in need of repair and restoration. A list of selected items links to further information concerning the works and their condition.

If you are interested in a title or subject area not in the listing, please contact us. We would also love to hear your reasons for wishing to adopt a particular book – whether it was important for your studies, a favourite poet or novel of someone dear to you, or a work that has provided inspiration in some part of your life.

The work required can vary from full rebinding to the making of a protective box, and the cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. As a guide, the median cost would be approximately $500.

One of the Library’s most used rare items, John Gerard’s The Herball, or Generall historie of plantes ... (London, 1636) has recently been restored by conservator Anthony Zammit to demonstrate how repair can enhance the safe storage and use of a treasured resource.