THE Sir John Gorton Library at Kerang celebrated its 20th birthday on Friday with a community event featuring a packed program for children and, of course, a special cake designed to look like a stack of books.
Gannawarra Shire libraries manager Mesh Thomson said the library had become one of Kerang’s iconic buildings thanks to its location, at the start of the Kerang CBD, and its distinctive design.
Julie Smith, the shire’s first libraries manager, was present and gave insights into how far the service had come.
From a leaky building that required a bucket brigade when it rained, and the smell of dead rats in the ceiling, to a state of the art modern building.
“We were incredibly lucky to get this library, the shire council was determined that Kerang should have a new library whatever the cost,” Ms Smith said.
“The Gannawarra library service was, and probably still is, the smallest independent library service in the state.
“By the time the State Government made large grants available for library buildings we were desperate for a new library, as we were struggling to keep up our services.
“Gannawarra was fortunate to receive one of the first grants and council was able to find the funds to match the grant.
“The whole community became involved watching the library grow from the ground up.
“On the day the library was opened 20 years ago there was a long line of happy and excited people, from senior citizens to kindy kids, who made their way down Wellington Street each carrying a book from the old library to the new one.”
Gannawarra Mayor Charlie Gillingham said it was great to see so many people attending the special occasion.
“The building complements the historic water tower and is a credit to those involved, and the building also pays homage to, arguably, the district’s most prominent residents Sir John and Lady Bettina Gorton who called the family orchard, Mystic Park, home during the 1930s,” Cr Gillingham said.
“Returning to the area after serving in World War II, Sir John started his rise up the political ranks serving as a Shire of Kerang councillor between 1946 and 1952.
“Sir John went on to become the 19th Prime Minister of Australia in 1968.”
Gannawarra Shire chief executive Geoff Rollinson said he recalled the first time he saw the concept drawing for the new library and was surprised by the concepts.
“This contemporary design challenged a number of thoughts about what a library should look like,” Mr Rollinson said.
“The way the site recognises Kerang’s history in a contemporary way will continue, with a new addition to the construction of the glasshouse extension, which will bring the space into the 21st century.
“Located on the western side of the current site the new building will provide space for new programs.
“It has been made possible by the State Government’s living libraries infrastructure program with a contribution of $1.5 million.”
