Monthly Talks – “historical women’s LITERATURE“

Presenter: Helen Sykes

In 2021 Helen Sykes became one of the founders of the State Library of Victoria’s Women Writers Fund.

The Fund seeks to redress the historical gender imbalance in the Library’s collection by acquiring works by under-represented 19th and 20th century women writers. Helen says: “The rare books collection at the State Library of Victoria is a joy, but it was largely a male joy. No first edition Jane Austen, Bronte, Pankhurst, no Mary Wollstonecraft, no pioneering scientists.

The State Library of Victoria Women Writers Fund acquires works to address this historical gender bias, and seeks to inspire future generations by highlighting the intellectual and creative endeavours of women from the past. The Fund has added more than 100 works to the Library’s collection. Please come and share the stories of these extraordinary women and their books.”

Helen Sykes is a reader, editor, and self-described book nerd with a lifelong love of libraries. Aftergraduating from Oxford, she worked briefly as a journalist and in publishing, and has sat on the boards of a number of not-for-profit allied health charities.

Please join us at the Point Lonsdale Hall for this interesting Museum Talk.

Where: Point Lonsdale Community Hall, Bowen Road, Point Lonsdale
Date: Friday 24 November
Time: Talk at 11am (Light Refreshments 10.30 am to 11.00 am)
Cost: Tickets are $5 for QHM Members & National Trust,  and $10 for non-members.
Bookings: Pay cash or card on day or via: square.link/u/BN2x1RKV

Maybe you will consider becoming a member on arrival if you are not already one and then you will be entitled to a ticket for half price!

Everyone is most welcome and off-street parking is available in the paddock adjoining the hall.