Council celebrates success of Anne Frank exhibition

Published on 12 July 2024

From April to June, Murrindindi Shire Council hosted ‘The Life Story of Anne Frank’ exhibition at the Alexandra Library, boosting library visitation by over 1000 people compared to the same period last year.

The exhibition, which ran from the launch event on 27 April to 29 June, commemorated the life and legacy of Anne Frank, whose diary remains a powerful symbol of resilience and hope amidst adversity.

The exhibit brought Anne Frank and her family’s story to life with a collection of photographs, modules and displays. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the historical context of World War II, the Holocaust and the enduring messages of tolerance and human rights.

The rise in visitation, from approximately 4000 to over 5000 people compared to the same period last year, was driven by a dedicated team of volunteers from Friends of the Library Alexandra (FOLA) leading tours and Library staff arranging transport from local centers, culminating in a special event for Yea and Alexandra Rotary Clubs.

The exhibit was praised by patrons for not only educating the community about one of history's most important figures, but also fostering meaningful conversations about the importance of empathy and understanding.

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Council’s Deputy Mayor Sue Carpenter said “Council expresses gratitude to everyone who played a role in the exhibit’s success, including sponsors, volunteers and community members who attended and interacted with the displays. We must engage in vital discussions about our history, overcoming past challenges, and embracing our diversity to strengthen society. We encourage all community members and Shire visitors to attend any of our Library and Customer Service Centres, engage with our staff, learn about upcoming events and programs and share feedback on what could be done next.”