Sesquicentennial Celebration: 150 years of Gerringong Library
Did you know Gerringong Library is among the oldest free public libraries in New South Wales?
In April 1874, Gerringong Municipal Council voted to establish a free library in Gerringong (only five years after the first free library in NSW was established - the Sydney Free Public Library). It was housed in Mary Ann Scott’s Grocery Store in Fern Street, containing a splendid collection of reference and other books.
Following the erection of the Soldiers Memorial Hall in 1921, a library and reading room was established by the Literary Institute in 1922, and the library was transferred to these premises.
In 1947, Council commenced the erection of the Town Hall building, which was opened 17 November 1948, and the library was relocated here in 1950, with Robert Walker as librarian.
The library was housed here until December 2021, when it moved to new premises in Blackwood Street, adjoining the old Gerringong School of Arts.
Sesquicentennial celebrations
It’s been 150 years since the free library opened in Gerringong, and we can’t let that go uncelebrated!
Our exhibition will feature artefacts and information from the storied history of our library over the last 150 years.
Join us at Gerringong Library for the opening of our Sesquicentennial Exhibition, Thursday 7 November, 5:30-7:30 pm.
Or step back in time and take a walk around our town to rediscover history through words, photos and stories, via the Kiama Library Walking Tours app. Stay tuned for more details to come.
'A night at the museum' with Caroline Baum
Gerringong & District Historical Society presents 'A night at the museum' with Caroline Baum, to officially open the Gerringong Library Sesquicentennial Exhibition.
Well-known Australian journalist and radio and television broadcaster Caroline Baum will speak on the history and importance of libraries.
Thursday 7 November, 5:30-7:30 pm
Gerringong Library and Museum
$10 per person (includes refreshments)
Book online
Free Sesquicentennial Exhibition
GLaM Gallery, 8-23 November
Tuesdays - Fridays, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Saturdays, 9:30am - 3pm
New walking tour
Coming soon to the Kiama Library Tours app ...
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