The Kelly Library

Bill Kelly’s collection of books has long been a source of curiosity, learning and conversation. The Kelly Library reflects a lifetime of reading, questioning, creating and engaging with the world.

This October, The G.R.A.I.N. Store is honoured to share the Kelly Library with the community through a special week-long event.

Over recent months, Veronica Kelly, Philippa Schapper and Sue Logie have been documenting the collection, recording titles and provenance details to form part of The G.R.A.I.N. Store archives. The collection contains more than 1700 volumes spanning art, history, politics, peace studies, literature, philosophy and social change.

The week will open on Sunday 25th October with an afternoon gathering featuring acknowledgements, reflections and a country style afternoon tea. The event will also mark the installation of two posters featuring Bill and Veronica’s artworks, previously shown at the screening of Can Art Stop at Bullet in 2024, alongside a permanent statement acknowledging the role the Kelly family played in the establishment and ongoing story of The G.R.A.I.N. Store.

Following the opening event, guests will have the opportunity to browse and purchase books from the collection leaving the Kelly Library to find new homes and inspire new conversations. Five books from the general collection are included with the ticket price.

All are welcome to join us in celebrating a remarkable collection and the enduring values of curiosity, learning, community and peace.

(Why not make a day of it and come along to the Woodsong lunchtime concert at 11am on October 25th - recorder duo Rodney Waterman and Robyn Mellor present a repertoire spanning 500 years. Music to delight! Stop in for lunch in town at one of the eateries or pubs then come to the book sale. Discounted ticket for combining events.)

The Kelly Library: A Legacy of Ideas

Sunday 25 October to Saturday 31st October 2026
The G.R.A.I.N. Store, Nathalia