Broken Hill City Library
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The Broken Hill City Library serves the community of Broken Hill and Far Western New South Wales' information and entertainment needs with free access to book, computers and other multimedia.
The library provides services to residents living in Broken Hill as well as people living in remote areas of Far Western New South Wales. The area services extends from the South Australian border to the Queensland border out past Burke and down to the Victorian border.
The services that the library offers include deliveries to people who are unable to come into the library themselves whether they live in Broken Hill (Books on Wheels)or in other remote areas (Outback Letterbox Service). The Outback Archives, where people can come in and research local history or research their family. Preschool Story Time held during the school term to help promote an early interest in reading and learning. School Holiday Activities for school aged children. There are a number of computers available for the public to use, including those with the Broadband for Seniors Kiosk. It also hosts and number of clubs for the community, such as a Computer Club and Chess Club.
History of the Library
The first library in Broken Hill was opened as part of the Mechanics Institute that was opened in October 1891.[1]
The current building that houses the Broken Hill City Library was opened 1964 and was named the Charles Rasp Memorial Library.
Library Managers
Over the years the name of the position has gone through a few changes. Sometimes called Chief Librarians, Librarian, Library Manager or Library Co-Ordinator. Each manager has contributed to the collection and e services that the library has for the community.
List of library managers:
- Robert S Ross – 3 September 1906 to 25 March 1908
- Thomas Gibson – 9 April 1908 to 3 April 1909
- William O'Connell – 6 April 1909 to 10 September 1926
- Maurice Bannister – 1926 until he was suspended by council on 16 April 1930
- John Picken – 26 June 1930 to 24 October 1930
- Moses Atherton – 26 June 1931 to his retirement on 21 September 1951
- Allan Coulls – 28 September 1951 to his retirement on 7 August 1971
- John Gough – 1971 to his retirement in April 1982
- John Liebich – 1982 to 1 November 1986
- Freda Van Zetten – 8 December 1986 to 1987
- Jim Leary – 1987 to 1994
- Marvis Sofield – 1994 to retirement on 13 April 2012
- Denise Orr – April 2012 to March 2013 (Acting)
- Cheryl Smith – 4 March 2013 onwards
Library Services
Outback Letterbox Service
The Outback Letterbox Library was started in March 1977 to provide free library material to people who live in remote areas of Far Western New South Wales. The service reaches north up to the Queensland border, west to the South Australian border, south to the Victorian border and east to over areas as far as Bourke, New South Wales.
Books On Wheels
The Books On Wheels service delivers library material to those who can not get to the library. This service delivers books to the elderly and frail every two weeks.
Outback Archives
References
- ^ "Mechanics' Institute". The Barrier Miner. Broken Hill, NSW: National Library of Australia. 3 October 1891. p. 2. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
- O'Connor, "A History of the Charles Rasp Memorial Library, Broken Hill."
- Canavan, Michael. 'Library Services to an Australian Mining Community, Broken Hill 1884/1916."