On 22 May 2025, the Schaeffer Fine Arts Library celebrated 25 years of inspiring scholarship and cultural memory with a warm, vibrant reception. Held in the Library’s own space, the evening brought together the original architects and designers of the library, its instigators and supporters, alumni, faculty, students, and friends for a warm, vibrant reception that honoured our legacy and looked boldly to the future.
The evening began with a series of thoughtful addresses. Professor Mark Ledbury, Director of the Power Institute, reflected on the cultural and institutional legacy of the Schaeffer Library, while acknowledging the key guests and contributors who have shaped it into what it is today. Senior Librarian Sajid Foazdar shared the story of the library’s evolution — from a quiet research collection to a dynamic, forward-thinking centre of creativity and learning.
Guided tours of rare materials, artists’ books, and archival gems were led by our enthusiastic librarian interns - Lily Tucker, Alisa Prasnicki, Yueqing Xu and Library voluntary team - Elliot Tompkins, Ava Broinowski Thompson offering guests an intimate view of the library’s distinctive holdings.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the inauguration of the Schaeffer Library’s Exhibition Space, launched with the display of Paper Jam and Insider Trading by renowned artist Simryn Gill. Presented as part of her Schaeffer Library residency at the Power Institute, (an initiative made possible by the Generous support of Susan Acret, the Chair of the Power Foundation Council) this striking piece opened a new chapter in the library’s engagement with contemporary art.
This was followed by the formal opening of the Virginia Spate Reading Room, established in honour of the late Emeritus Professor Virginia Spate AC. The room, which houses her personal library of over 1,800 books and personal objects, was inaugurated in the presence of her brother, Andrew Spate — a touching tribute to her enduring legacy as a scholar and activist.
Another highlight was the announcement of the library’s first intern-led exhibition, curated by FASS3000 interns Lily and Alisa. Their thoughtful and engaging curatorial proposals mark a new milestone in student involvement at Schaeffer and promise to bring fresh perspectives into the library’s programming in Semester 2.
Guests also enjoyed a video montage featuring student reflections on the library’s role in their academic and creative journeys. This presentation was compiled by student editor Surya Urs, in collaboration with Nicholas Croggon from the Power Institute, who was instrumental in planning the event.
As a token of appreciation, guests received commemorative library tote bags and pins, honouring the library’s founding donors — John W. Power and John Schaeffer. We were delighted to recognize, too, other founding donors, including The Fern Family, the Ian Potter Foundation, Dr Gene Sherman and Family, Terry Smith, Peter Burrows, and recognize the many librarians and staff who have supported the library over the years. Sincere thanks were extended to the University leadership team, Art History faculty, the School of FASS, and Fisher Library colleagues for their ongoing support.
More than just a celebration, the reception was also a call to action. As we look toward the future, the Schaeffer Fine Arts Library is embracing its role as a leader in digital transformation — integrating AI, digitisation, and new technologies to advance the way we research, learn, and preserve cultural memory.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration such a success — from speakers and interns to staff and volunteers. The energy shared throughout the evening reminded us all: the best is still to come.
Stay tuned for more updates — and don’t miss our upcoming Semester 2 intern-led exhibitions.
