Unanderra Library celebrates its 60th birthday!
This week, Unanderra Library and Community Centre celebrates its 60th birthday.
The creation of a community centre in Unanderra had been discussed as early as 1900, during a meeting of the Central Illawarra Council. Alderman Richards moved that “the necessary steps be taken to borrow the sum of £800 for the creation of the new hall at Unanderra.”
The hall was thought to pay for itself, and all agreed to go ahead with construction. Officially opened in 1901, the building became the site of operation for the Central Illawarra Municipal Council before the formation of the City of Greater Wollongong and its Council in 1947.
Unanderra Library opened in one small room of the building in 1955. With a space barely more than 4 metres by 4 metres, this room now holds Unanderra Library’s public computers, photocopier, and music collection.
The support from the local community meant that the move to a larger premises was inevitable as the collection grew. The library took over the north side of the building in 1961 when the Town Planning Department moved to Town Hall in Wollongong.
The current library as we know it was opened on 10 November, 1961 by then-Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Albert Squires.
Since then, Unanderra Library has been a much-loved addition to the community and strongly supported by its patrons. With its recent reopening, Unanderra Library is excited to welcome back its regulars for borrowing and browsing. For more information, visit our FAQs page.
Thanks to Julie and Jenny from Unanderra Library.