APSIG newsletter no. 60: March 2006

A vision being realised: the National Islamic Library Centre, Canberra

A group of 25 Canberra librarians visited the National Islamic Library Centre on 21 February to see the embryo of their collection.

The library is part of the Canberra Islamic Centre, a four acre site in the southern Canberra suburb of Monash. The Great Hall, which serves as the main community space, is already built. With the Brindabella Mountains to the west, the centre is situated in a lovely valley setting. With a striking design of banded grey brick, with a high half-barrel roof, it is already a landmark. Building is continuing, with a courtyard being constructed at present. This will bound one side of the Library when it is built. Recently, a lovely piece of fine mosaic floor paving has been added to the main building next to the door to the future courtyard. The overall plan would include more buildings and perhaps an old people's village but all this is dependent on funding. There are 1400 members in the local area with Muslims from all countries participating.

Mr Ahmed Youssef, Canberra Islamic Centre President, showed us around. Mr Youssef arrived in Australia in the late 1960s with the intention of becoming a librarian here but that ambition did not eventuate. Instead, he worked in business.

The centre was opened a year ago by Sir William Dean, former Governor-General. At the opening, Sir William said : '[A] reason for pleasure is the knowledge of the contribution that the centre can make as a social, cultural and educational centre for Canberra's culturally and socially diverse Muslim community. The final reason for pleasure which I would mention lies in the centre's objective of acting as a catalyst for social contact and co-operation and understanding between Muslims and the other social groups and communities which are part of, and which make up, our national capital.'

The library is founded upon Mr Youssef's own personal collection which he commenced in 1969 to answer the many questions he was receiving concerning Islam. First concentrating upon the arts and architecture, he expanded it to meet more queries on history, religion and politics. He has found a great lack of knowledge in the community and commented to us on the regular waves of controversy concerning Islam which erupt.

The centre's website.This includes a link to their library catalogue. They are gradually adding entries for their collection which totals about 10 000 items. Volunteers and supporters are sought.

APSIG members and friends appreciated the hospitality offered to us during this visit and the time taken by Mr Youssef. Our convener, Deveni Temu, offered our warm thanks to him on our behalf.

APSIG members and friends with Mr Ahmad Youseff