Perhaps you’ve passed by Mosman Public Library without realizing its rich history. It’s more than just a building full of books. It’s a community hub with a fascinating past.
Mosman Library’s story began humbly in 1934. Local resident Edith Allworth and her cousin Bess Thomas established a free children’s library. It started in Allworth’s garden studio on Parriwi Road. The library quickly outgrew this space. It relocated to the stables of Killarney School on Dalton Road.
In 1942, the library moved again. This time it was to Dr Doak’s house next to Mosman Public School. This location was at the corner of Military Road and Belmont Road.
Mosman Council recognized the value of this free children’s library. After discussions with the library committee, the council took over. In 1945, Mosman Municipal Library was officially established. Bess Thomas became the chief librarian. She earned a salary of 350 pounds. Thomas was the first female librarian appointed under the Library Act. Rosemary Kimber and Patricia Swonnell became junior library assistants. By 1947, Miss Newby-Fraser was a senior assistant librarian.
Mosman Council embraced the new Library Act early. In January 1945, it was one of the first to adopt it. It was the second council to provide a library service in New South Wales. By 1949, other municipalities studied Mosman’s library. It became a model for establishing similar services.
By 1952, the library had outgrown its Belmont Road location. Mosman Council purchased a house called Boronia on Military Road for 15750 pounds. The Department of Education needed the Belmont Road premises. This was a major factor in the move.
After six months of preparation, the library opened at Boronia on November 8, 1952. Bob Heffron, then deputy premier of NSW and minister for education, officiated. Over 1000 people attended, including librarians from interstate. Boronia was intended for the library, the Mosman Historical Society, and the Mosman Art Gallery. The library quickly expanded into the areas set aside for the historical collection and gallery. Increased membership and demand for services caused this expansion. Artwork ended up being displayed in council chambers. The historical collection was kept in Boronia in cramped conditions.
By the early 1970s, Mosman Library had expanded significantly. The Library Council of New South Wales advised Mosman Council that Boronia was too small. The accepted space for a public library serving Mosman was 12000 square feet. Boronia was only 5200 square feet.
In 1976, Mosman Council decided to build a new library. Construction began in September 1977. Edwards Madigan Torzillo and Briggs won the tender to design it. This firm had designed the High Court of Australia. They also designed the National Gallery of Australia. In 1979, the library moved to its current location on Military Road.
In September 1984, Mosman Library was computerized. This resulted from the creation of SHORELINK. It was formed with North Sydney Council, Municipality of Lane Cove, City of Willoughby, and Manly Council. The new service improved access to holdings and facilities. This increased the use of these libraries.
Today, Mosman Public Library continues to serve the community. It offers lending services, inter-library loans, and a home library service. Mosman Library is part of the Shorelink Library Network. This allows members to borrow from Mosman, Lane Cove, and Stanton libraries. All items can be returned at any library in the network. The library also provides access to online resources. These include e-books, e-audiobooks, and language learning programs. Mosman Public Library stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to literacy and lifelong learning.