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Rotary Heritage Library

Preserving the past through books, documents, photographs, newspapers and magazines, film and voices.

Overview

The Rotary Heritage Library at Redlands Coast Museum is a research and archival hub. It offers visitors access to rare books, historical documents, newspapers and magazines, photographs, and oral histories — all curated to preserve the stories of the Redlands Coast region.

It’s a space for discovery, memory, and connection.

  • The Library
  • Houses rare and contemporary books, manuscripts, magazines, newspapers, maps and charts, and archival material
  • Is used by family historians, university students, and researchers
  • Supports museum exhibitions and community education through displays

Oral History

Library volunteers are actively recording oral histories from Redlands locals — preserving personal stories, community memories, and lived experiences that might otherwise be lost.

  • Recent projects include:
  • The Mt Cotton Drama Group interviews
  • COVID-era oral reflections (supported by Redland City Council Libraries)

These audio records are archived in the library and used in rotating exhibits across the museum.

Research

Research is core to how the Museum brings its stories to life. Every exhibit, document, photograph, and artefact can spark a deeper investigation. Library volunteers in collaboration with community members, authors, and university researchers can uncover:

  • Family histories
  • The background of historic homes, churches, or individuals
  • Information about past events and happenings on Redlands Coas

For example, one project linked the Henry Ware to Ormiston House, uncovering previously undocumented evidence of his contribution to the garden.

Photograph Collection

Over 2,100 photographs have been catalogued to date — ranging from rare portraits to images of local industry, families, and places.

  • Highlights include:
  • William Gray, Cleveland’s first State School principal
  • Leona Kyling
  • WWII brides and snapshots of Redland pioneers

Many photos are still being identified. Visitors and community members often help fill in the blanks – making this a truly collaborative collection.