The Mary Elizabeth Byrnes Memorial Library
The Mary Elizabeth Byrnes Memorial Library is a significant collection of Australian literature contained within the Orange City Library. Donated to the city in 1990 by John (Val) Byrnes (1911-1995) the collection is named in honour of his mother Mary Elizabeth Byrnes (nee Farrell) who was born in 1881 at Springside near Orange.
The Library's coverage of Australian Literature is comprehensive consisting of more than 10,000 volumes including newspaper clippings, letters and cards from authors, photographs and other memorabilia. it contains many titles significant to Australia's literary heritage including Baron Field First Fruits of Australian Poetry; G.B. Barton, Poets and Prose Writers of NSW; Patrick White, The Ploughman and other poems and Happy Valley; and Miles Franklin, My Brilliant Career.
A feature of this collection is the number of first editions and works signed by authors. This contributes to a collection valued for its rarity and literary or historical importance. The collection reflects individual authors' works from first published titles through to current releases.
Officially opened in 1992 by the late Frank Hardy the collection has been extensively indexed and catalogued since its acquisition to make it accessible to the people of Orange and the wider community.