About NCACL

About NCACL

The National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc. (NCACL) formerly the Lu Rees Archives, is a comprehensive collection of resources about Australian authors, illustrators, publishers and their creative works. The collection has books, artwork, ephemera, authors’ papers and manuscripts, and author and illustrator research files.

The collection* includes over 57,546 books.  Some 5,577 of these books are in overseas translations in 79 languages.  It holds a unique part of Australia’s cultural and literary heritage.

Publishers, authors and illustrators, foreign dignitaries and ambassadorial staff, researchers, teachers, students, and the members of the Australian community visit. Access to the collection is available during opening hours.

NCACL is registered with Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. As a not-for-profit charity whose operations are managed by volunteers, funding for projects is donated by interested persons.

Lu Rees, the Founder

Lu Rees had a passion for Australian Children’s Literature and the creative process.

Lu Rees began the NCACL collection in 1974.  Initially the collection was called the Lu Rees Archives. In 2012 the Lu Rees Archives became an incorporated body.  Its focus turned to a more strategic role in the field of Australian Children’s Literature. It is now known as the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature or NCACL.

* As at June 2023

See also:
Advocacy for NCACL
Become an advocate for a permanent home for Australian Children’s Literature in Canberra.
Collection Policy
Collections
Finding aids
Publications
NCACL Youtube presentations
A Youtube presentation about the National Centre is available to view.

 

An agreement to house the Collection in the Library of the Canberra College of Advanced Education (CCAE), now the University of Canberra, was reached on 15 July 1980. Pictured are Lu Rees, Douglas Waterhouse, Chairman of the College Council and Victor Crittenden, CCAE Librarian.