Think before you bin it!

Central West Libraries is committed to preserving the memories from the many communities that we serve. We do this by collecting resources, recoding stories and preserving images. Nothing is considered too "unimportant"; it's often the little things that provide a clue for someone researching local or family history.

One way we do this is by collecting what we call ephemera - invitations, flyers, brochures, pamphlets. They are a real treasure trove for our users though sometimes the box of items awaiting cataloguing gets a little top heavy! Let me give you an example of how we've used some of these items.

Civic events often included quite elaborate feasts and the menu attached to the program makes mouth watering reading - particularly just before lunch. We've had displays of these during F.O.O.D. week when they create great interest. Luckily someone thought to keep them - a though for when you're having your next clean up.