Doncaster Libraries

The first mention of a library in the area is found in the minutes of the Athenaeum, and more particularly in a letter written by Tom Petty.

Extracts from a copy state:
"March 4th, 1872. Sir, As Secretary of the Doncaster Athenaeum and Free Library, I have the honour to apply for a portion of the sum set apart by Parliament to aid the erection of such Institutions....
6. Number of Books - 225 .
7. The building, having just been completed, has not yet been used as a library."



This letter was written to the Hon. Charles Gavan Duffy, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Other events followed in this sequence. It is recorded that in September 10th, 1872, there were 210 volumes, and as follows:

"The building was not opened as a Free Library previous to 31st July, 1872, but has been opened since. By 15th September there were 260 volumes, and the building was officially opened as a library on 9th September, 1872"

An application made on behalf of the Doncaster Athenaeum Free Library for the Government publications was sent to Mr. Crews, U.L.A., to the Chief Secretary. In reply, a form of conditions was received, and so an application was then made for a share of tho Building Fund for Public Libraries.

Meeting 15th January, 1872.
"Mr. Schramm reported that the Committee of the Doncaster Juvenile Library have transferred their books and cash in hand to the Trustees of the Athenaeum. It was agreed also that Mr. Schramm be requested to order a book case for the use of the free Library.

March 2nd, 1872.
"Mr. Schramm reports that the cash in hand transferred from the Juvenile Library to the Athenaeum amounted to £2/15/4, and later that this was paid to the Treasurer."

Other mentions are as follows:
"That Mr. Lenkersdorf's account of £30/ 0/ 0 for the bookcase be paid."

The library commenced with a Government grant of £45 on 9th September, with 225 books.

In 1890, Oswald Thiele (schoolmaster) built up the library, and there were over 2000 books. It was recognized as the best outside Melbourne.

The library was disbanded in the 1920's, and it is understood that the books wero distributod among schools. (CONFIRMATION REGARDING THIS POINT WOULD BE APPPRECIATED.)

The next development was approximately eight year's ago (This information will now be sought). An approach was made to Box Hill with the result that a Mobile Unit Regional Library commenced operating on different days in various areas of the district. A new modern library was built and opened two years ago, in Montgomery Street, East Doncaster. ome of the historical books included on its shelves are local histories sUch as "History of Camberwell" and "History of Preston".

It is with pride that we recognize the efforts of those in the past and present, who have made it possible for books to be available for both young and old to learn from and enjoy.

Muriel Green writing in 1970 04 DTHS Newsletter