The award-winning Earth Platinum atlas produced by Sydney boutique publisher Millennium House will be a draw card at the 50th birthday celebrations of The National Library of New Zealand in Wellington this weekend.
There will be a tour of the underground maze of library stacks and seldom seen items on display from the Alexander Turnbull Library will include: the 128-page Earth Platinum, which at 150 kilograms is the largest atlas ever published; hand-made bike engine parts by legendary NZ motorcycle racer Burt Munro; and writer Katherine Mansfield’s passport.
“We know that many people are surprised by the richness and diversity of our collections,” said National Librarian Bill Macnaught. “Saturday is a special opportunity to gain some surprising insights into the treasures we care for on behalf of all New Zealanders.” Special activities and viewing times begin on Saturday 28 November at 10am and finish at 3.30pm at the National Library of New Zealand, corner of Molesworth & Aitken Streets, Thorndon, Wellington.
The limited edition Earth Platinum measures 6ft x 4.5ft (1.8m x 1.4m) and features the craftsmanship of more than 100 cartographers, geographers and photographers. According to the Guinness World Records, it surpasses the Klencke Atlas at the British Library, which held the record of the world's largest atlas since 1660. The Earth Platinum print run was limited to 31 individually numbered copies that sell for $US100,000. It won the best overall mapping award 2013 in Boston, USA.
For a full timetable of the National Library of New Zealand birthday activities, visit www.natlib.govt.nz.