History of Bethungra: community and place by Terry Cowled and Graham Levett covers the usual aspects that local histories do and some others you don't expect, such as local flora and fauna. It's so well put together, including an index, end notes and bibliography, you can also browse the chapters without losing any of the substance. The photographs and maps all combine to make a really interesting read.
detail: the Bethungra Hotel, also known as Hotel Shirley, circa 1950
A little history about a big subject, 150 Spectacular Years is wealth of information packed into a small space. The origins of the School of Arts in 1859, in tandem with the Mechanics Institute, shows how the organisation was formed and then flourished into the 20th century. Changes in direction in the 1940s saw the School of Arts focusing on drama and music, with the last century's interests falling out of fashion. This slim volume contains posters, reviews, photographs and more, and the prose is beautifully written and very readable.
detail: Jean Blamey and Terry O'Connell in Hedda Gabler, 1948
Historian Sherry Morris is foremost amongst Wagga Wagga's living treasures, and her books are always superbly researched and presented. Kapooka : from engineer's camp to the home of the soldier 1942-2016 continues this seam of high quality and gives us a realistic look at how Kapooka has evolved from World War Two. Sherry Morris always seems to hunt out information or photographs that no-one else can get, making her books on even familiar subjects refreshing and suprising.
detail: members of the Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) on a picnic at The Rock
As always, these books are available for viewing within the library - just ask any of our friendly staff when you visit the library.
