THE Australian Cultural Library (ACL) located in Rosewood has recently received a significant donation of the personal library of the late Emeritus Professor Ken Goodwin.

Professor Goodwin was a former Vice Chanchellor academic of the University of Southern Queensland and a former lecturer at the University of Queensland.

ACL President Steve Towson said the library was approached by USQ Corporate Archives about the possibility of receiving Goodwin’s library to add to the library’s growing 50,000-strong Australian book collection.

“Recognising the significance of many items to Australian culture, the ACL was fortunately in a position to accept this generous donation of many thousands of books,” he said.

“The collection includes autographed works and inscriptions to Professor Goodwin from noted writers such as Thomas Shapcott and Xavier Herbert.

“Many first edition publications, university theses, and a plethora of fascinating books by well known to underground authors was also received.

“The collection has been safely transported to the new ACL Rosewood premises and catalogued in preparation for shelving.”

Mr Towson said the collection would be made available to the public once the library premises is completed.

“As with many volunteers and arts organisations, Covid-19 has created barriers to opening the ACL directly to the public, but the association’s volunteers continue to work towards re-opening,” he said.

All items that are not Australian related have been donated on to the University of Queensland’s Alumni Book Fair and Rare Book Auction and proceeds from the fair and auction will help to provide funds for student scholarships.