Current Exhibitions
Liturgy and the Word: the role of books in Western religion
From the Middle Ages onwards there were many types of books available to the clergy and the religious laity: the Bible, the various liturgical books which were central to medieval religious practice and ceremony, books of guidance for the clergy and books for individual devotion and prayer. As literacy spread among new sections of society during the late Middle Ages and the purchasing power of the laity increased patronage of books of personal devotion began to flourish. Books of individual prayer, the richly illuminated books which we now call Books of Hours, as well as guides to devout living such as the Biblia Pauperum and the Ars Moriendi grew in popularity. This exhibition, drawn from the University of Sydney Library's Rare Books and Special Collections Library, brings together examples of some of the works that were available for use, study and contemplation throughout this period.
Rare Books foyer on level 2, Fisher Library.
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
The Art of the Private Press
The Rare Books and Special Collections Library collects books published by Australian private presses with the assistance of Friends of the Library. A selection of these limited edition works are on display in the main corridors on levels 2 and 3 of Fisher Library. This exhibition can be viewed during Fisher Library opening hours.