Exhibition Real Gold opens at Central City Library

An exhibition of library "treasures" will be officially opened by the prime minister at Auckland Central City Library on Friday, 9 November.

Prime Minister Helen Clark joins Deputy Mayor David Hay to launch both the exhibition Real Gold: Treasures of Auckland City Libraries and an illustrated book of the same name.

Items have been selected from the many rare, valuable and wonderful "treasures" cared for by the Special Collections team at Auckland City Libraries. The collections contain thousands of items and are based on a gift by Sir George Grey to the newly founded Auckland library in 1887.

Exhibits on display include a copy of the First Folio of Shakespeare, medieval "illuminated manuscripts", a letter to Sir George Grey from Florence Nightingale, maps and sketches of early Auckland, the original score and lyrics of God Defend New Zealand, Maori-language manuscripts, and posters and photographs of both Limbs Dance Company and the Mercury Theatre.

Described as a treasure in itself, the Real Gold book features items in the exhibition with engaging text by librarian Iain Sharp and superb images by photographer Haruhiko Sameshima.

Auckland City Libraries' website will also offer a virtual tour of the exhibition.

Libraries' heritage manager Theresa Graham says many of the items in the collection are of international significance. "Heritage staff welcome the exhibition as an opportunity to share some of these treasures with the public."

The exhibition is open to the public at Central City Library, 44 - 46 Lorne Street, Auckland from Monday, 12 November and through the summer, ending 29 February.