Here at Hawthorn Library, stories aren’t just contained within books. They echo through the very walls. This library stands as the oldest within the Boroondara Libraries network. Its history is rich.
Let’s journey back to May 1860. Michael O’Grady, then Chairman of the Boroondara District Road Board, proposed a wonderful idea. He suggested approaching the Public Library for books. These books would then be housed in the Road Board office.
By July of that same year, Hawthorn became its own municipality. The books found a new home in the Hawthorn Free Library. The Hawthorn Literary Association played a crucial role. It assisted with the library’s operations. In October 1862, the library found a room in the new Town Hall. Later, in 1888, it moved to an upstairs room within the same building.
By 1911, the Hawthorn Library had grown. It boasted 5,500 books. It even had one reference book. The library then relocated to the Post Office section of the Town Hall. Finally, in the 1960s, the Hawthorn Library moved to its current location. It continues to serve the community. It even looks after the Hawthorn Historical Society.
Now, I want you to think about Mrs. Carbines. She was a librarian here from 1935 to 1960. She established a thriving children’s service. It included varied activities. She also started a bookmobile service. This was especially important when car ownership was not common. Mrs. Carbines transformed Hawthorn City Library. She turned it into a professionally run library. It offered a quality service. By the time she passed away in August 1960, the library was open 48 hours each week. Impressively, over 140,000 loans had been issued during 1959 and 1960.
The library’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 1891, an annoyed resident wrote to the local paper. The resident complained about the library’s opening hours. They also noted an air of decay.
Edward Morrison served as the Librarian for the Municipality of Hawthorn from 1900 to 1927. During his tenure, the Hawthorn Library was located in the 1888 Town Hall. He had an interesting dual role. From 1902 to 1921, he was both Dog Registrar and Librarian. Ultimately, he gave up dog registration. He chose to focus on library membership starting in 1922. By 1927, the library was open 33 hours a week. It housed 9,000 books. The library processed between 800 and 1,000 loans weekly.
In 1938 Hawthorn City Library moved from the Town Hall to a building nearby. This was on Burwood Road. Many older residents cherish fond childhood memories of this building. They also remember the programs led by Mrs. Carbines.
In 1860, the Hawthorn Free Public Library received its first loan. It consisted of 350 books from the Melbourne Public Library. This is now the State Library of Victoria. These books were housed in the office of the Boroondara District Roads Board. Michael O’Grady and John Toon acted as guarantors. In November 1861, the Hawthorn Literary Association took charge of the collection.
Today, the Hawthorn Library stands as a testament to the power of community. It’s a place where knowledge, history, and stories intertwine. It is still a place of learning for all. Take a moment to appreciate its enduring legacy.