Epping Library

Curiosity hummed in the air. Epping Library. It stood as a quiet sanctuary amidst the lively Epping Town Centre. Epping Library isn’t just a building filled with books. It’s a living testament to the community’s thirst for knowledge and connection. Epping Library first opened its doors on September 21, 1975. It was a joint project with the Epping Senior Citizen Centre at 10 Pembroke Street. The library’s creation was the culmination of a five-year journey. It began when the land at 10 Pembroke Street became available. The location held a history of its own, previously housing a public school in a building called “Karonga House.” Before the current Epping Library, the community’s literary needs were served in various ways. A library existed in the School of Arts building in 1912. Later, a free junior library and arts and craft center emerged, spearheaded by a dedicated parent committee in 1945. This grassroots initiative found its first home on Oxford Street in vacant shops before settling into the School of Arts building in 1949. Epping Library’s journey reflects the evolution of Epping itself. From a rural landscape to a thriving suburban hub, Epping’s growth mirrored the library’s expanding role in the community. Originally open only on weekdays, the library adapted to the community’s requests and extended its hours to include weekends. Parking was a recurring concern. In 2013, the Epping Library underwent its first significant refurbishment, marking a new chapter in its history. Another transformation occurred in 2016. Local council boundaries shifted, bringing Epping Library under the City of Parramatta’s administration. The library briefly closed, reopening with a new name and address: Epping Library and Leisure and Learning Centre at 1 Chambers Court. In 2021, the City of Parramatta Council proposed a $1 million upgrade to further enhance the library and learning center. Epping Library has witnessed many changes, yet one thing remains constant: its dedication to serving the community. It’s a place where stories unfold, both within the pages of its books and in the lives of those who pass through its doors.