Hornsby Shire’s much-loved community hub, Hornsby Shire Library Service, celebrates its 50th anniversary today. From borrowing your first book, bringing little ones to Storytime or studying for your HSC to meeting your favourite author, joining a book club or discovering your family history, the library has been the site for many cherished memories over the past five decades.
An initiative of Hornsby Shire Council, Hornsby Shire Library Service has over 59,500 members and is home to a collection of over 160,000 books, an extensive digital collection, learning resources and a lively program of events and workshops for residents of all ages. Opened in Hornsby on 29 April 1972 by Shire President Councillor Gordon S Curby, it has gone from strength to strength, cementing its place in the hearts of residents.
Anne-Maree Sharpe has worked at the library for 32 years and is one the longest serving staff members. For her, it is the staff that makes the library so special.
“The thing I remember the most when I started was the staff. As a young person, I found all the library staff welcoming and a sense of nurturing and mentoring within. This sense of unity and one library team hasn’t changed throughout the years but has developed as some staff leave and others arrive. For that, it has been a joy working here.”
Long term member, Philippa Benson, has been a member of the library for over 25 years. She talks about the importance of the library.
“(Libraries) are a focus for the community, they provide free and equal access to information and are places to inspire, learn and create… I feel very lucky that I have had access to a library that provides all these things to our community and intend to remain an active member for at least another 26 years.”
Before Hornsby Library opened, the Shire was serviced by the Travelling Library for Girls and Boys, a mobile library in a van. The new library was originally located on Peats Ferry Road next to Council Chambers. Branches at Pennant Hills, Galston and Berowra opened in the following year.
Hornsby Library moved to its CBD location in 1995 where it began its evolution into the community hub it is today. It recently reopened following an extensive $4.7 million upgrade, partly funded by the NSW Government.
At just 3 years old, Remy has read 1,500 books as part of the 1,000 Books Before School program. Mum Nadine talked about how she hoped Remy would use the library as he gets older.
“I hope he will want to continue to attend and draw on the range and availability of books. When he starts school, I hope he will utilise all that the library offers to support research and learning whilst also reading for enjoyment. I expect he will borrow digitally and utilise online assets as well.”
As it looks to the next 50 years, Hornsby Library is excited to continue to move with the times to ensure its relevance for when Remy grows up. The recent make-over saw upgrades to support new technology and more student resources. To coincide with the 50th anniversary, the library is proud to launch a new Discovery Space, a multi-purpose flexible room to host STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) events and workshops including coding, science, writing and sewing.
Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said that Hornsby Library is a cornerstone of Council’s mission to present high quality, innovative community services to its residents.
“Happy birthday Hornsby Shire Library Service! With over one million visitors through its doors each year, we are proud that it is one of Council’s most vibrant venues. This significant anniversary is a golden opportunity to reflect on fifty years of wonderful memories and prepare for a bright future. Thank you to all the dedicated staff and volunteers. We look forward to welcoming visitors for the next 50 years and beyond,” Mayor Ruddock said.
Matt Kean, Member for Hornsby, commended Hornsby Shire Council for its significant contribution to the community.
“Over the years I have regularly taken advantage of a variety of services and resources at Hornsby Library. It was exciting to see the facility reopen extensively refurbished with its impressive new design, high tech and with something of interest for of all ages. Congratulations to Hornsby Shire Council’s library staff, both past and present, for helping Hornsby Library achieve this important milestone of 50 years of service to our community”.
