The ESUQLD collections comprise:
The Stombuco Collection that contains valuable artifacts and documents relating to the architect Andrea Stombuco. Palma Rosa was designed by this celebrated architect in 1887 as his personal home. Numerous items relating to Palma Rosa are housed in this collection.
The ESUQLD Cook Terrace Collection that contains valuable artifacts and documents relating to the history of Cook Terraces in Brisbane.
The ESUQLD Historical collection that contains publications and pictures about the English Speaking Union worldwide, ESU (Australia) and ESUQLD, including its history, membership details and the organisation’s activities.
The ESUQLD Library is a valuable cultural and historical resource that promotes the vision and objectives of the ESU. Topics include the use of the English language, the art of public speaking and debating, the history of the English language, parliamentary rules as used in debating, thesauri, essays and dictionaries, and includes a strong pictorial collection.
Exceptional commitment to Volunteer work has always been a prominent feature of the ESUQLD. With the move to ESU House the Library has become a public resource and is strongly supported. The Library is now called in broad terms “The ESUQLD Collections”. The library is a valuable cultural and historical resource for the benefit of ESU members and the public. Members can browse through the ESU’s collection of books, enjoying the calm ambience of ESU HOUSE. Members are also eligible to borrow from the Lending Section of the Collection. In 2009 Diana Osbaldiston became the ESUQLD Head Librarian and with Denise Houston’s capable assistance is establishing a collection of National significance.
The ESUQLD’s Collections include books in the following categories:
- The life and work of Andrea Stumbuco
- The history of the ESU and ESU(Qld)
- Classical Literature/History
- Handbooks/Dictionaries
- Biography/Autobiography
- Shakespeare
- Australian History/Literature
- War History