Number 24 in the series of Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria (MIV) plaques commemorates the centenary of the Little River Mechanics' Institute Hall, since its official opening on 3 August 1910, built and used for social activities, gatherings and - since 23 July 1911 - a Free Library for the township of Little River. The plaque is mounted over the front doors to the Hall.
TIME CHART OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Year1908
1909 1910 1911 1939 1951 1971 1975 1980 1981 1985 2010 2011 2014 |
MilestoneBacchus Marsh Express reports need for a Little River Mechanics' Institute Library.
31st January - first Little River meeting to discuss need for LRMI is held in Comben's barn. 3rd August - Mechanics Hall, designed by Seely & King Architects, is opened. 13th August - Library Committee elected. 25th August - £100 library grant applied for and Mr Hevey appointed first Librarian/Caretaker for 6 months at 10/-. 12th January - first minuted newspapers purchased. 23rd July - LRMIFL opens - sub. 7/6 ($0.75). Lara grass fires approach within 500 metres. Electricity replaces Gloria & hurricane lamps. Rothwell St bookmobile competes for a season. Barbara Davis & Hall C/tee carpet, repaint and rearrange authors alphabetically under Popular, Readers Digest, Condensed Novels, Paperbacks, Novelette, General Interest & Old (Bible, World Wars, Stories etc.) External timber w/boards clad with Colorbond MIFL 70th birthday celebrations - 1911-1981. Over 2000 volumes - family sub $1.00 p.a. Borrowers invited to collect key from Post Office. Children's section created. You Yangs fires come within 150 metres. Hall and Library repainted by volunteers. Jenny Martinez decorates proscenium arch and with Peter Jones paints backdrop. Book collection culled and re-categorized into non-fiction, fiction, reference, children's and Heritage with an emphasis on Local History. Centenary Ball celebrates completion of Hall and Library and opening of the Hall. 23rd July - Centenary Celebrations of opening of Library Little River Library is added to the only six Mechanics' Institute Libraries included on the Victorian State Government Register of Public Libraries that continue to lend. |