Opening of
The Wollaston Library
Justine Skeet College Librarian, Wollaston Theological College
The Wollaston Library proudly opened its doors on Sunday, 23 February 2025.
Held after the Commencement Eucharist - which marked the start of the Wollaston Theological College Academic Year along with the Blessing of the purple bench - the event brought together the Archbishop, members of the Wollaston Theological College Board, the Perth Diocesan Trustees, Diocesan Secretary Mr Keith Stephens, academics, clergy and lay staff and community members to formally mark the launch of the library opening.
During her opening speech, Dr Meg Warner, Warden highlighted the spirit of unity and partnership that had made the project possible. She acknowledged key partners, including representatives of the Library Committee, Murdoch University Librarians, Uniting Church and their joining of forces to ensure that the unique collection remained intact. A pivotal outcome of these collaborative efforts, through the vision of the Archbishop and Diocesan Secretary, with vital support from the Anglican Community Fund, is the commitment by the Anglican Diocese of Perth to assume responsibility for the future development and management of the collection, ensuring its enduring legacy in shaping future generations of scholars and clergy.
The Revd Dr Ian Tozer, Moderator of the Uniting Church, also addressed the gathering of over 55 people. He expressed strong support for the Anglican Diocese of Perth’s role in taking on the combined theological library collection and the beginning of a new chapter for the collective resource that had previously been housed at the Murdoch University Library.
A notable moment of the evening was the blessing of the library by Archbishop Kay, whose heartfelt and uplifting words marked the occasion and reinforced the library’s significance as a centre for faith and learning.
The official opening of The Wollaston Library was a celebration of knowledge, faith, and community spirit - an important milestone in the ongoing growth and development of Wollaston Theological College.
More than just a repository of books, The Wollaston Library serves as a vibrant hub for intellectual and spiritual engagement. College Faculty, students, and clergy will benefit from an accessible space designed to promote inquiry, discussion, and academic exploration.
The Wollaston Library will continue to work on collection development and service delivery initiatives, including the integration of the Wollaston College collection into the main collection. This integration will significantly increase access to theological texts and research materials. The library will continue to acquire new resources through a structured acquisitions process, ensuring that its collection remains both relevant and comprehensive.
Membership of The Wollaston Library offers a valuable gateway to a wealth of resources for both research and education within the broader theological community. Open to all denominations, library membership supports a spirit of inclusive, faith-based learning and encourages exploration of theological, historical, and philosophical works. Members enjoy access to a comprehensive collection designed to foster scholarly inquiry, deepen spiritual understanding, and promote lifelong learning for students, researchers, clergy, and community members alike.
The Wollaston Library is supported by the Friends of The Wollaston Library giving program, which encourages community members to contribute through one-off, annual or ongoing donations. These generous contributions help sustain and grow the library’s collection and services.
For more information on how you can support the library, please contact the College Librarian:
Justine Skeet
T: (08) 9425 4277
E: library@wollaston.edu.au