Visit our new exciting exhibition Sydney’s Italian Fruit Shops – The Original Green Grocer

Visit our new exciting exhibition Sydney’s Italian Fruit Shops – The Original Green Grocer.

Colourful photographic panels tell the story of Italian migrant families who came to Australia in the early decades of the 20th century and opened small fruit shops. These shops were important places for intercultural exchange and they changed Australian eating habits. At that time some of Sydney’s residents met Italian families for the first time and learned about eggplants, sundried tomatoes and spaghetti. The travelling exhibition was created by Co.As.It., (Italian Association of Assistance) in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Public History (ACPH) at the University of Technology, Sydney. Check out the Online Fruit Shop Register and find your local Italian fruit shop.

Join us for the Official Opening this Friday 17 August , 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start. The event is free and refreshments will be provided. Call 93306444 or email us to reserve your spot.

The exhibition will be on show at Hurstville Museum & Gallery from 11 August – 30 September. Our opening hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday 2.00pm - 5.00pm. 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville.

Image: The Firenze family fruit shop in Cronulla NSW 1955. Image courtesy of the Firenze family.

Literary farewells

In recent weeks four writers have died leaving behind a body of work encompassing a wide range of styles and subject matter.

Literary giants Gore Vidal  and Australian Robert Hughes were perhaps the most well  known so discover or re-acquaint yourself with some of their best writing with a book from Hurstville Library.

Gore Vidal  (3 October 1925- 31 July 2012) novelist, essayist, social commentator and screenwriter. His books included United States: Essays 1952-1992, Point to Point Navigation: a Memoir, 1964 to 2006 and Inventing a Nation: Washington, Adams, Jefferson with a foreword by Bob Carr who over the years gave many interviews to the ABC's Lateline program.

Robert Hughes (28 July 1938 – 6 August 2012) was one of Australia's most widely known expats, an art critic and historian perhaps best known for his groundbreaking book on modern art The Shock of the New and what is regarded as a modern classic on Australia’s convict era The Fatal Shore.  His other works include histories, Rome and Barcelona and his memoir Things I Didn’t Know. An ABC Lateline interview with Malcolm Turnbull remembering his friend was aired recently.

Maeve Binchy (28 May 1940-30 July 2012) popular novelist, columnist and commenator whose gently humorous books on small-town life in her native Ireland were loved by many readers and John Keegan (15 May 1934 - 2 August 2012) military historian and jounalist who according to the The Guardian , "possessed a rare ability to describe warfare from the standpoint of the frontline soldier",, were two very different writers who have died recently.

Take a look

Why not check out this month's issue of Australian Photography magazine. It is your one stop shop for all of your photography needs. Whether you are a beginner or a professional this magazine complete with reviews of the latest photography equipment and articles to getting the best shots will blow your mind with ideas. Why you are looking you might get some inspiration so that you can enter our LMG National year of reading Digital photography competition. Many great prizes to win.

Learn about climate change, sustainability and biodiversity at Hurstville Museum & Gallery

Come to the Dragon’s Lair Gallery in August to learn all about climate change, sustainability and biodiversity. Museum2You is a display that comes from the Australian Museum. It has lots of information about energy use, the environment and natural resources, books to read, and samples of products you can use to reduce your impact on the environment. For the kids, there are colouring in sheets, bug samples to handle, and books to read.

The exhibition will be on show Saturday 4 August – Sunday 2 September 2012. We also have an exciting calendar of programs and events including a lunchtime talk, kid's craft activities, a kids's workhop, a bus tour and a poster competition.

For more information contact us on (02) 9330 6444 or via email or visit our website.
Dragon’s Lair Gallery
Hurstville Museum & Gallery
14 MacMahon St, Hurstville

Winner for the July heat of the LMG Digital Photography competition announced.

The theme for July, "Discover" was a difficult one to capture, however everyone submitted some quality shots. The quality of photos was that good, judges had difficulty selecting a clear winner. After a lot of thought they narrowed the pool to three photos that they felt displayed technical poise and addressed the theme of "Discover".  


The judges thought this photo showed how much joy discovering things for the first time can bring.

  by  Vincent.ZZY 

The judges thought this photo balanced colours well, and were amazed to discover that the photo is of a passion fruit flower. The photo allowed judges to discover new things for themselves.

  by  Gee&Ash 

However, after careful deliberation, the panel of judges thought this photo deserved to win the monthly heat.

  by  Vincent.ZZY 

The photo demonstrated technical ability, and the judges discovered multiple interpretations and stories. For example. the judges saw the couple discovering a new relationship, whilst also discovering a new art work. Congratulations to the photographer.

August ushers in a new theme, "Question". Has anyone given this theme thought?

Below is a slideshow of all the photos submitted for July.

Free Movies

Take a look at the list below for the latest DVD titles that will be available for loan very soon.  Did you know that you can borrow DVDs for free from Hurstville City Library and the loan period is one week?

Albert Nobbs
The Artist
A Few Best Men
The Grey
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Hugo
21 Jump Street
J. Edgar
Happy
John Carter
London Boulevard
A Separation
My Week With Marilyn
The Only Way is Up - One Direction

Keep checking here for more fantastic moves in the coming months.

Would you like to borrow any of the movies above but you aren't a member of Hurstville City Library? Just bring along two items of identification and we can join you up on the spot.  Remember that one of the items of I.D. must have your current address on it.

Author Talk Mark Gasnier

Mark Gasnier, the legendary St George - Illawarra Dragons player is coming to Hurstville Library and will share highlights from his life and career and introduce his recently released autobiography Gaz.

He is regarded as one of the best players in the game in recent years, playing at Club, State of Origin and International levels. With a Rugby League immortal as an uncle, there was always going to be a high level of expectation surrounding Mark Gasnier. He scored over 100 tries in his Rugby League career, and won that elusive premiership with the Dragons in 2010.

Mark is also a contributor to the recipe book Footy Flavours a collection of delcious dishes from favourite Rugby League stars.

This is a great opportunity for all Dragons fans and sports lovers to meet one of the club's most popular players.

Copies of Gaz and and Footy Flavours will be available for sale and signing.

Hurstville Library

cnr Queens Rd & Dora St, Hurstville

Wednesday 29 August @ 7pm

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL 9330 6142