Celebrating 75 Years of NSW Public Libraries
On
Monday 3 November Sutherland Shire Libraries will join public libraries across
the state to celebrate the birth of free public libraries in New South
Wales.
Sutherland
Library will have a display in our foyer area to mark the 75th anniversary of the NSW Library Act, the landmark legislation that led to the
provision of free public library services for the people of NSW.
Since
the passage of the Act in 1939 the number of public libraries in New South
Wales has grown from two – Broken Hill and Sydney – to over 360, with 3.2
million members and more than 35 million people visiting libraries each year.
Sutherland
Shire Council adopted the Act in 1952 and its first branch opened in on 30
November 1953. Today the Sutherland Shire Libraries sees over 900,000 through
its doors each year, taking part in a range of programs from children’s story
and rhymetimes, author, literary, taming technology and sustainable living
talks, crossword and craft workshops and much more.
“This
November we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NSW Library Act, which led to
the network of free public libraries we all enjoy today.
“The
Act was supported by both sides of politics, and was passed two months after
the outbreak of WWII, which shows just how important the establishment of free
public library services was to the people of NSW. Councils quickly adopted the Act and the
number of NSW public libraries has now grown to over 360.
“Today,
public libraries are going strong and play a vital role in their communities. As State Librarian I have visited many from
Waverley to Wentworth and enjoyed seeing them in their diversity, meeting their
staff and council colleagues and talking to their readers. It is striking to see how much they
contribute to their communities,” says Alex Byrne, NSW State Librarian &
Chief Executive.
