Children's literature centre at Fremantle Prison

A children's literature centre designed to introduce young people to the enjoyment and appreciation of literature is to be established at the historic Fremantle Prison.

The centre is the brainchild of Fremantle resident Lesley Reece and has received the support of Heritage Minister Jim McGinty.

Mrs Reece said the centre would include a range of elements designed to give young people from 5 to 18 years of age the opportunity to actively participate in the creative experiences associated with literature.

"The centre will allow the establishment of the Fremantle Collection, which will bring together authors' working drafts and final manuscripts, designers' outlines, illustrators' working drawings and progressive art work for display and preservation," Mrs Reece said.

"The centre will also have self-contained accommodation for three visiting artists and writers each school term, who will pursue their own work and also participate in workshops for young people.

"A reference library will also be established, including a tape collection of authors and illustrators discussing their work."

Collections of Irish, American, British and New Zealand children's literature would also be commenced.

Mr McGinty said he had been pleased to support the establishment of the literature centre at the prison - and that it would be housed in the old prison hospital.

"The State Government is committed to finding a range of uses for the prison so that it becomes a prime example of 'living heritage' and not just a memorial to the past that simply gathers dust," he said.

"The location of the literature centre in the complex will no doubt be a great attraction for young people and help enrich their visit to the complex.

"It will also ensure that they return to the prison complex again and again, instead of just taking a one-off tour out of curiosity."