Central West Libraries - Forbes

Galileo Book and Paul Brunton Talk attracts crowd at Forbes Library

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:52:00 +1100

More than 30 people attended Forbes Library recently to be among the first Australians to see a rare book by Galileo and hear Senior Curator Paul Brunton talk the book purchased by the State Library of NSW. Galileo was a mathematician, astronomer and philosopher who lived in Italy from 1564 to 1642. He is also regarded as the father of modern science for his improvements to the telescope and astronomical observations. The rare Galileo book is titled Dialogo dei massimi sistemi [Dialogue on the two chief world systems], Galileo's celebrated defence of the Copernican system, published in Florence in 1632. By casting Pope Urban VIII as the simple-minded Aristotelian Simplicius in the book, Galileo brought upon himself arrest, trial by the Inquisition and life imprisonment. The sentence was commuted to permanent house arrest, while the printing of any of his works was forbidden. Paul Brunton spoke about the origins of the book, how it was purchased and went into detail about Galileo's life. Surprisingly Galileo was not a rich man, despite his genius. Pictured above is: Barbara Cowled, Maud Morris and Glad Johnson from Jemalong Retirement Village, with Senior Curator of the State Library of NSW Mr Paul Brunton, at the talk and rare book display. Pictured below is the front of the book showing Aristotle, Ptolemy and Copernicus - note the candle burn on the side.

Galileo Rare Book and Talk at Forbes with Paul Brunton

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:28:00 +1100

Galileo is one of the fathers of modern science. He was a physicist, mathematician, and astronomer and 2009 is the 400th anniversary of Galileo's development of the telescope and his first pointing it to the heavens with such earth-shattering results. His book Dialogo dei massimi sistemi (Dialogue on the two chief world systems), his celebrated defence of the Copernican system, was published in Florence in 1632. It led to his house arrest and the banning of his books in Italy. The only copy of this book in Australia is held by the State Library of New South Wales and it has never before left Sydney until now.......... You are invited to see this rare book and hear Paul Brunton, Senior curator from the State Library of NSW, speak at Forbes Library,Victoria Lane, Forbes on Friday 16 October at 1pm for a 1.15pm start. Please RSVP by calling the Library on 6852 1463. A concert featuring Paul Brunton and professional musicians from Orange Regional Conservatorium of Music performing Monteverdi (Heavenly Bodies Galileo and Monteverdi: A Feast of 17th Century Italian Genius) will also be held on Thursday 15 October at the Conservatorium at 7.30pm. For tickets ($35 Adults , $25 Concession) please contact Book City on 6393 1333. All funds raised will support the Conservatorium and Library. The rare Galileo Book will also be on display at Orange City Library on Thursday afternoon. Paul is pictured above with a rare Longitudes book.

Bushranger Show at Forbes Library - Ben Hall Festival

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:43:00 +1100

The historic town of Forbes will be a hive of activity on Saturday when the town celebrates the Ben Hall Festival. A full program is available on the Forbes Council website www.forbes.nsw.gov.au. A highlight will be the Outlaw Spectacular in Victoria Park with live musical entertainment, historical re-enactments, bush poetry, folk artists, historical exhibitions, street theatre, historical tours and much more. It will take place in Victoria Park and surrounds from 12pm until 6pm, and the best part is most events are free. Children can also learn the history of bushrangers in the Forbes Library with the Bushranger Show taking place from 3pm. Enjoy!

Shelterbox Honours for Central West Libraries

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:55:00 +1100

Carol and Marion from Cowra Library were guests at a recent Rotary Dinner to receive a Certificate of Appreciation for collecting money for a Shelterbox it brings shelter and beds to people who have become homeless and these boxes are distributed all over the world. Shelterboxes are sent worldwide to disaster areas and usually contain thermal blankets, a tent, tools and other survival equipment, light and heat and cooking aids. Since 2000, more than 600,000 people in some 46 countries have been assisted by ShelterBox ... and the demand continues to exceed supply. Central West Libraries is now the proud sponsor of Shelterbox No. 4874 and everyone can follow up with the Shelterbox Website to see where it will be allocated - go to www.shelterbox.com.au click on honour roll and CWL is at the top of the list. Congrats to Carol and Marion for their unique fundraising idea counting steps.

Not so secret mens business

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:18:00 +1100

Throughout December we are celebrating blokes @ your library. Are you male? Are you a member of Central West Libraries? Then our December promotion is just for you - please write your name and phone number on a ticket at the front desk at any of our Library branches to go in the draw to win a year's subscription to a family friendly bloke's magazine. Good Luck!

As the Crow Flies at Forbes and Orange

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:54:00 +1100

Be entertained. Central West Libraries is proud to present a true blue Aussie performance by entertainer Geoffrey Graham. Titled As the Crow Flies, Geoffrey performs a celebration of larrikins, legends and fair dinkum entertainment combining music, comedy and verse. It is a salute to our identity and heritage. He will be appearing at Forbes Library on Thursday 12 June at 10.30am, and Orange City Library on Thursday 12 June at 2pm. Please contact the respective libraries to book your place: Forbes on 6852 1463 or Orange on 6393 8132. Everyone is welcome to attend, it is an event for all ages and free. Geoffrey even takes requests!