Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

9 September 2022

http://hdl.handle.net/1885/12774 and http://hdl.handle.net/1885/12778

Books represent the freedom of thought and the highest expression of the human spirit.

Today we celebrate the legacy of the longest-reigning British monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and remember her lasting ties with Australia and its national university.

On 13 March 1963, Queen Elizabeth II visited the Australian National University to open the R.G. Menzies Library.

The Menzies Library was named for Australia's longest-serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Gordon Menzies, who accompanied the Queen on her visit to campus for the official opening ceremony.

During her speech to open the new library, the Queen told the crowd that "books represent the freedom of thought and the highest expression of the human spirit."

Display in Menzies Library

Photograph of Queen Elizabeth II signing the visitors book in the Menzies Library at the Australian National University, with Sir John Cockcroft (ANU Chancellor) looking on.

Queen Elizabeth II signs the visitors book, with ANU Chancellor Sir John Cockcroft looking on (ANUA 15-14-23).

The visitors book signed by Queen Elizabeth II, invitation to the Opening Ceremony, and a number of photographs from the day, are on display in the Menzies Library foyer.