The Caroline Chisholm Library is a theological lending and reference library with its main branch situated in the central business district of Melbourne. Its two branches between them contain over 26,000 volumes of Catholic and Christian literature, specialising in Church History, Hibernica, patristics, hagiography, spirituality and mysticism. There are substantial volumes of works by John Henry Newman, Thomas Aquinas, G.K.Chesterton, Jacques Maritain and Etienne Gilson, among others. There are also substantial holdings on the subject of prayer and our selection of Carmelita is extensive. The library also subscribes to a wide range of Catholic and other Christian periodicals. In addition, each branch hosts its own series of lectures, generally on topics related to the collection in some way.

Rates are reasonable at $40 per year ($30 concession) and entitle subscribers to borrow up to four books at a time for 30 days. Books can be renewed over the phone for another month if required. Interstate members can take advantage of our postal service. All members of the public are welcome to browse the library at either branch, use it for reference purposes or attend lectures, but only subscribers have borrowing rights.

Help Required VOLUNTEERS: We are in need of volunteers to help with the work of running the library. Volunteers need to be able to commit to working at least half a day a week and do not necessarily need to be experienced in librarianship. Please contact the library for an interview if you are able to help. BOOK REVIEWS: If you have read a book from our shelves and found it of exceptional interest, perhaps you would review it for us. Please limit your comments to 150-200 words and email them to us. Those selected will be published anonymously, either on the website or in the newsletter.

The City Branch Located in Mitchell House, Level 3, 358 Lonsdale Street, (cnr of Elizabeth Street, opposite historic St Francis' Church), the main branch holds about 24,000 books. The Library also hosts a range of lunchtime talks on topics relating to material in the collection. These are held on Wednesdays, unless otherwise specified, from 1-2pm, and are open to the public. Entry is by donation. You can collect a program of the lectures at the desk or ring the library to have one sent. (Phone 9670 1815). Opening Hours:      11am - 5pm Monday to Friday. Mitcham Branch There is a small branch of the library holding about 2000 books at St. John's Bookshop, 508 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, Phone: 9874 2389. This collection, which duplicates a subset of the main collection, also specializes in books in Chinese. The branch also hosts a series of evening lectures. Membership Contact us to find out what is happening at the Library, or to enquire about membership. Last Home page update: Tuesday, March 15, 2006 Last Site update: Thursday, September 27 2007 - Update to Program of Talks.

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