Almanac Comment: MCC Library – a place of reflection, conversation, discovery and respect
This year the Melbourne Cricket Club Library turns 177. Yes, 177 years of love and devotion to the vast numbers of members, scholars, researchers and the general public.
The MCC Library on level 3 at the ‘G’ is an institution.
It commenced with a gift in 1873 with thirteen bound volumes of the Australasian by the editor Henry Gullett.
From there it has grown to possibly the greatest library of sports literature anywhere in the world.
The Library is not just cricket. You name a sport and there will be some history, if not on show, then certainly amongst the archives. That is when the brilliant librarians and their marvellous group of volunteers take over and find it for you.
Over the journey not enough credit has been given to the staff and those volunteers. David Studham, who sadly resigned recently, and Trevor Ruddell have been there so long one would not recognise them out on the streets! I reckon between them it would be around 60 years.
As for the volunteers there are no words that could adequately describe their importance to the organisation and what it would be without them. Their knowledge is, well, amazing.
It is probably annoying to them, but I often go there for a chat and just listen to their knowledge.
Recently I was in a position to do some research on the Library and spoke with a variety of people on their thoughts on the ‘icon on Level 3 at the G.’
Fellow Almanacker Allan Barden in a long narrative to me said (in part):
“ The Library charts not just the evolution of sport, but also the social and cultural life of Australia. It is not an ordinary Library. It is a living archive, a scholastic resource. It is a symbol of Australia’s reverence for sport, history, mateship and fair play.”
Beautifully put AB and a statement that would sit well with members of the MCC and the general public.
Dennis Coon (MCC Member)
“Our superb Library is the heart of our cricket club”.
Rodney Jude member and St Kilda CC historian
“The Melbourne Cricket Club Library and its magnificent staff are an integral part of the club’s fabric”
‘Smokie’ Dawson Member/Almanacker
“The MCC Library is a unique and valuable asset that must be preserved in its present form. Its value to writers, readers, researchers and members as a quiet oasis of contemplation and reflection is unquantifiable, and cannot be measured in pure dollar terms.”
Dr Bernard Whimpress OAM
“An absolute treasure trove of sports history and a wonderful haven that enables a rich appreciation and discussion of sporting cultures. What value is sport without memories and a literate record of those memories?”
Susan Sutton Member/artist
“The purpose built MCC Library is much loved and greatly respected, within the historic Level 3 precinct of the MCG.”
This is just a small section of the testaments received but they have all painted the picture perfectly of what the Library means to people in Victoria.
The Library is always my first port of call when I am attending any event at the G or just popping in to do some research which is always welcomed by staff and volunteers. The fact day sheets that are produced for both cricket and football contain a litany of information – some of which I even know!
I even drop the fact sheets into the media centre for the edifice of the young tyros who are still learning the ropes, particularly about the past. As John Cleese once famously said,
“Why write about the past? Well, there is a lot of it”.
I cannot keep count of the number of friends and acquaintances I have met at the Library over the years. It is the one part of the ever increasing seething cacophony that is the MCG that remains a shrine for people wanting peace and quiet for a few minutes.
The picture below captures the mood of the Library perfectly and there are younger members who love it as well!
Members and friends having a quiet moment before the Collingwood-Fremantle clash on Sunday 20 July 2025.
Note the lack of mobile phones (Photo Bob Utber M125803)
‘Citrus Bob’ Utber is a member of the MCC and has six books in the Library.
More stories from Citrus Bob Utber can be read Here.
To return to the www.footyalmanac.com.au home page click HERE
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE
About Bob Utber
At 86 years of age Citrus Bob is doing what he has always done since growing up on a small farm at Lang Lang. Talking, watching and writing sport and in recent years writing books. He lives in Mildura with his very considerate wife (Jenny) and a groodle named 'Chloe on Flinders' and can be found at Deakin 27 every day.
I’m taking two of my grandsons (they have a pupil free day and we are having a ‘boys day out’ in Melbourne) for an MCG Tour on Friday and look forward to visiting the library.
I admit I’m proud and feel privileged to have my book – The Definitive Rulebook in the MCC Libary – it wasn’t an easy process and is v v thorough before you’re book is accepted.
( for anyone who doesn’t know-Rulebook is my nickname- my book is 40 sports folk interviewed and I have written about each re not only there career but life in general)
last year as part of the ‘Almanac State of Origin tour’ for the Qld-NSW fixture at the ‘G, JTH kindly organised a visit to the library on the morning after the game.
loved it, absolutely loved it!
Rabbit in the Vineyard
I am indebted to Allan Barden for the heading of this article. It was part of my submission to the club .
BOMBER COL – knowing you , you ill probably get lost in the Library and forget about the boys!
RULEBOOK – it is one of life’s pleasures to say “I have a book in the MCC Library”
RABBIT – What a way to start of what was to be a great day for all you banana benders. You really need a couple of days to “get the feel” of the library.
Like a good record shop, the Library for a newcomer requires a number of visits just to riffle through all the shelves that are in your wheelhouse.
When you go to the footy, you normally don’t have a couple of hours to spare. Where the Library really shines – and I’m surprised no one has mentioned this – is when it rains at the cricket. Even before the umpires declare a break, those in the know are on their way to level 3.
As one of many long-time Tiger MCC supporters, a lot of time was spent in the MCC libraries during the 80s, 90s, and 2Ks. I felt quite chuffed when the Master, Ken Piesse, came up to me recently and said that he’s seen my book in the MCC Library and had been impressed by the “weighty tome.”
ANDREW GAYLARD – Correct! First port-of-call when it is raining at the cricket or is a bit boring. Personally I get in as soon as I can and spend a good 90-120 minutes looking at the new books to see if any are worth buying.
MICKEY McTIGGER – OK – WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE BOOK SO THAT i CAN FIND IT NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT? How about a story of the times you have spent at the library and who else have you met besides Mr. Piesse?
Thank you Bob et al for your article & subsequent comments.
I would also add to your heading that the MCC Library is a place of learning
Plus the librarians are friendly & knowledgeable.
On my next next visit or visits I will peruse books by you, Malcolm Rulebook Ashton & now Mickey McTigger.
Good excuses to linger longer.
I’m also curious to know how many Almanackers are MCC members & for how long.
Mine is now for 36 years.
If there were was enough interest, we could all meet for a get together ar next year’s Centenary Test.
Look forward to your thoughts & good luck to TGTOA.