Harden-Murrumburrah libraries

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Harden Public Library, 2026.

Contents

1. Love of reading
2. Brief history
3. Chronology
4. References

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1. "A love of reading"

In an era when the "love of reading" is being replaced by scrolling on smart phones and engagement with social media, the importance of the act of reading in developing cognitive skills is once again being brought to the fore (Barker 2024). Of course, libraries are not simply about books, and their content and use has diversified considerably over time. However, they are still largely recognised, and spoken of publically, especially in country areas, as places to go to borrow books. Libraries used to play an important role in facilitating reading, especially to young people in association with their education. A lot has changed in recent decades. However, libraries - whether public or member-use only - have long been more than simply book repositories; they have existed as important community facilities, and their history is often hidden or neglected as they are usually quiet places of reflection, relaxation and research, and do not normally feature in the news of the day. However, they can be hives of local cultural activity, not only providing resources to the community - including books, audio-visual material, archival collections and one-on-one information via staff - but also the location of events such as readings, exhibitions, classes and gatherings. Harden-Murrumburrah is a case in point. It is small country town located on the south western slopes of New South Wales, Australia, approximately 3 1/2 by car inland from the coast, with a population of roughly less than 4,000. The closest commercial centre is Young, and it has long been the recipient of financial resources to support cultural activities such as the development of library facilities. However, outliers such as Harden-Murrumburrah have nevertheless found a way to not be completely ignored in this regard.

The history of its libraries in Harden-Murrumburrah and the immediately surrounding areas is little known, at least to the present writers, prior to their uncovering the information presented below. The following article attempts to reveal some of that history, based on research from contemporary newspapers, published sources such as books and magazine, and personal reminiscences. It is arranged chronologically at the outset, with extracts and associated commentary. Example can be seen of the various types of libraries which have existed in the region over time, such as school-based, technical training, organisational and free public examples. A brief, summary history, based on the detail presented in the chronology, is also included below.

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2. A brief history

The town of Murrumburrah arose during the 1840s as a result of European settlement and the taking up of land in the region to support agriculture such as the harvesting of wheat, and the raising of sheep and cattle. In 1857 a Mechanics Institute and library had been establish at nearby Yass, and closer at Young / Lambing Flat in 1861. During 1869 a Murrumburrah correspondent for The Yass Courier suggested that the establishment of a library would raise the tone of the local youth who were not prone to the pursuit of intellectual activities. In 1877 the railway came to town and Harden was established as a town next to Murrumburrah. An immediate and substantial increase in population was associated with those employed by the railways as Harden became an important stop on the Sydney to Melbourne line. An associated Mechanics Institute with library was established in Harden during 1879, though membership was restricted to railway employees. Local and government funds were utilised for its construction. The issue of "a love of reading" would be referred to, and in 1897 the local Burrough of Murrumburrah Council issued a set of by-laws for a local Free Public Library. Apparently the railway Mechanics Institute was ....

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Chronology

1857

* The Yass Mechanics Institute is opened in 1857 and goes on to contain a library, which appears to be the earliest such facility in the region.

1869

* 21 May 1869, The Yass Courier. Following on the holding of a musical concert in Dillon's Hotel, Murrumburrah, the writer for the Courier was moved to comment:

Murrumburrah (From our Correspondent)

.... I hope that it is not the last occasion on which tho comparatively isolated community of Murrumhurrah may experience an evening's amusement of this description. While on the subject, I might say that something of this sort would exercise a beneficial effect in a town like this were it repeated, say at least once a month. A very respectable clubh might be formed here, and their efforts would, I think, agreeably help us to pass tho dreary nights of winter, and at the same time cause some of our young people to relax their pursuit of more questionable pastimes. I even think we are sufficiently advanced to appreciate the advantages afforded by the establishment of a library, debating classes. &c. If the "leading people" of our small country towns were to give early attention to so important a matter, there would beo little of that roughness (using a mild term) at present so peculiar to them.

1886

* 29 May 1886, Freeman's Journal, Sydney:

Murrumburrah (From our correspondent)

Mechanics Institute

A reference to some unjustifiable proceedings in connection with the 'mechanics', which have recently occurred may not be out of place in the columns of the Freeman. This building was erected a few years since in the eastern portion of Murrumburrah, and adjacent to Harden railway station; the object being to provide a library and reading room for the use of the members. The cost was defrayed by public subscriptions, subsidized by the Government in the usual manner. The building contains only one reading room. About two months ago the Orange body at Harden held a tea FIGHT in this room, and to vary the entertainment a few speeches were delivered, one of which, it is said, was remarkable for vulgarity and ignorance, being nothing more or less than a tirade of abuse levelled at the Catholics; priests and nuns being very severely dealt with. In consequence, a resolution was passed prohibiting the use of the room for sectarian purposes, but of course this did not suit the Orangemen, who are in the majority on the committee, and they mustered in force on Wednesday last and the resolution referred to was rescinded. It remains to be seen whether the Government will continue to subsidize the institute, now that it has been taken possession of as it were by a band of Orange bigots who never contributed a penny towards its erection, and who may at a moment's notice be sent about their business by their employers — the Railway Department. The promoter of all this bigotry is an ignorant little upstart, who was raised from a position o£ obscurity by Catholics, and who thus gives a return for their patronage which has made him what he is.

Comment: The Freeman's Journal was a Catholic newspaper.

1897

* 4 January 1897 - The Borough Council of Murrumburrah passes By-laws which enable the creation of a Murrumburrah Free Public Library. These were confirmed by the New South Wales Department of Public Instruction on 12 March 1897 and published in the Government Gazette of 16 March.

* 16 March 1897, New South Wales Government Gazette:

[8471] Department of Public Instruction, Sydney, 12th March, 1897.

THE following By-laws for the regulation of the Free Public Library at Murrumburrah, "which have been made by the Municipal Council of Murrumburrah, and confirmed by His Excellency the Governor in Council, are published in accordance with the provisions of the " Municipalities Act of 1867."

J. GARRARD.

Murrumburrah free public library.

By-laws.

1. The books purchased with the grant in aid of the Murrumburrah Free Library, together with all books presented by the public and sucli other books as the Council may hereafter procure for that Institution, either by purchase or otherwise, shall constitute a Library to be called the Murrumburrah Free Library.

2. The Council shall appoint a Librarian, who shall make out and keep a catalogue of all books in the Library. 3. It shall be the duty of the Librarian to be in attendance at the Library between the hours of 11 and 1 and 7 and 8 any day upon which Municipal business may be transacted. 4. Any book taken, lost, or damaged by any person shall be replaced at his or her expense forthwith; and in default the person or persons so offending may be sued for the value of such book or books by the officer in charge of the Library. 5. No person in a state of intoxication shall be admitted to the Library.

6. Any person behaving in a disorderly manner while in the Library or on the premises, or damaging any property in such Library, 6liall for every such offence be liable to a fine of not less than five shillings nor more than ten pounds, and shall replace the damaged property.

The foregoing By-laws were passed and adopted by a resolution of the Borough Council of Murrumburrah, at a meeting held at the Council Chambers, on Monday, the 4th day of January, 1897, and under the authority of a resolution of the said Council, the common seal of the Council was authorised to be set hereto.

Dated at Murrumburrah, this 6th day of January, a.d. 1897. (l.s.) JOHN BOURKE,
R. B. Wallace, Mayor.
Council Clerk.

* 14 May 1897, New South Wales Government Gazette: Notice of the appointment of Mr. R.B. Wallace to the position of Librarian at the Murrumburrah Free Public Library on the 12th. 

Comment: Wallace had arrived in Murrumburrah in 1880 as an auctioneer and set up The Murrumburrah Signal newspaper. He then served as Town Clerk from 1890 through to 1914. Whilst he occupied a number of positions in the Murrumburrah Council, and is referred to as a 'jack-of-all-trades' in D.I. McDonald's history of the organisation published in1990, it is unclear whether he ever actually served as librarian, as this role is not mentioned therein. 

* 22 May 1897, Cootamundra Herald:

Murrumburrah: A free public library has been established here in connection with the municipal council.

1898

9 July 1898, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: It is noted that in regard to Mr. Kenneth Mackay:

.... he secured for us a magnificent Free Public Library which cost £250.

1899

* 6 February 1899, New South Wales Government Gazette:

Borough of Murrumburrah / List of Assets on 6 February 1899 / Library - books and furniture - per valuation or estimate - £200. 

1904

* 1 February 1904, New South Wales Government Gazette:

Borough of Murrumburrah / List of Assets on 1 February 1904 / Library - books and furniture - (estimate) - £200.  

1905

* 19 October 1905, The Catholic Press, Sydney. At a meeting of the Murrumburrah branch of the HCAB (Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society) - an Irish Catholic Friendly Society - held in the convent school room, Reverend Father J.J. Gaffey suggested the following:

.... that a debating society and library be established in connection with the branch, the high order of oratorical ability displayed that day being a surprise to him, and he would at once set about means for the cultivation of so promising a field of intellectual development.

1916

* 5 December 1916, Young Witness: Reports on the building of the St. Paul's Church of England Parish Hall, on Albury Street half way between Murrumburrah and Harden. The building includes a library. 

1925

* 23 June 1925, Cootamundra Herald:

At the annual meeting of the Harden branch of the Railway and Tramway Institute recently .... special committees were appointed to look after the sports and social sections of the branch.

Comment: The Railway and Tramway Institute was a meeting place and training location. As such, it had a library for use by railway staff in support of courses and instruction presented there. Such profession-based organisations were often the location in Australia of libraries prior to the development of local government equivalents, usually contingent upon substantial populations to provide the necessary funding and in-kind resources to support such collections of materials.

1939

* 1939 - The New South Wales Library Act of 1939 gave rise to the creation of the Young Public Library.

* 23 March 1939, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

Central Library for Schools
Practical Organisation Started
In Murrumburrah-Harden District

Since last year various arrangements have been made which have enabled the District Council of P. and C. Associations to proceed with the practical organisation of the Central Library. The two main disabilities which prevented the Library scheme from being started last year were the lack of a librarian and the lack also of furniture for the room at the Murrumburrah Intermediate High School which it was proposed to use as a Library. Both those wants have recently been supplied. A part-time librarian is now available. This has only been achieved by extensive alterations of the time-table of the Intermediate High School, involving the combination of certain classes. The necessity for these combinations is regrettable, and it is hoped that it will be only a temporary measure. A large room at the High School has boon fitted up as a library with glass fronted presses, tables and chairs recently received from the Education Department. The fittings are not yet complete, as shelving for books and cabinets for pictures and periodicals are yet to be erected.

The benefits which this scheme will provide for the small outlying schools of the district scarcely need enumeration. Briefly, the scheme provides for the supplying of the schools of the district with boxes of books for the use of the children. These boxes, each of which is to contain about thirty hooks, will be distributed from the Murrumburrah centre, and changed whenever a new lot of books is desired. Each school, according, to the number of pupils,will contribute for a certain number of box units.

SCHOOLS CO-OPERATE

The schools which are included in this District's scheme are Murrumburrah, Benmore, Cunningar, Galong, Cunningham Creek, Nubba Redbridge, Stewart's Divisional School, Tiverton, Cullinga Mines, Wallendbeen, Binalong, Jugiong and McMahon's Reef. It was agreed by the schools participating that they would co-operate in starting the scheme by pooling such books from their own libraries as were in good repair. Out of the fourteen schools included, lists of books available have already been received from nine. New books will be added to these and the Book Selection Committee has already begun its work. Yearly financial contribution from the schools concerned will enable new books to be added and worn books replaced every year.

It gives great satisfaction to all those concerned that this scheme, which will help so much to give children at the smaller schools an adequate supply of books, and so help to foster a love of reading, is at last under way.

Comment: This was a significant move in supporting the circulation of books to the fourteen schools in the region mentioned therein.

* 22 June 1939: Organisation of Central Library, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate. 

1943

* 10 December 1943, Cootamundra Herald:

.... Two street stalls, one in Harden and one of them in Murrumburrah, were conducted by the Junior Farmers and pupils of Murrumburrah I.H.S., Cunningar, Cunningham Creek, Benmore and Tiverton, in aid of the Patriotic Fund and District Schools Library, realising £35.

Comment: This occurred during World War II, a time in which local fundraising was often necessary as resources, both financial and personal, were diverted towards the war effort.

1946

* 14 November 1946, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

M.I.H.S. Library Murrumburrah Parents and Citizens' Association will apply to the Department of Education to have the library at Murrumburrah Intermediate High School plastered and ceiled. This was decided at the Association meeting last Thursday night. Mr P. S. Wolfe, headmaster, said application had been made for the erection of an assembly hall but until it was obtained, the library would be looked upon as the "meeting place" of the school. Mr. Wolfe said there was a good collection of Australian Art in the room but it was not shown to advantage because of the condition of the walls. 'An assembly hall is the store house of every tradition of the school, but for the present, the library. will have to serve that purpose. It will be about five years before we get the assembly hall,' said Mr. Wolfe. The headmaster said his office and most of the new wing had been plastered and he considered that the library should be included. 'The Inspectors who had visited the school recently made some very favourable comments about the room. The only thing wrong with it is the state of the walls," he said. The President (Mr.VA. Richards) suggested that the roof be ceiled. Mr. C. Simpson moved, and Mrs. E Coddington seconded that the Association write to the Department of Education asking the room be plastered and ceiled. The motion was carried. . . . "If that work is done and lino laid on the floor, this library will be one of the best country school libraries in the Stated" said Mr. Wolfe.

* 20 November 1946, Cootamundra Herald:

Fifteen books of fiction have been presented to Murrumburrah Intermediate High School library by Mr. F. Maxwell, vice-president of P. and C.

1951

* 30 April 1951, Cootamundra Herald:

Harden-Murrumburrah .... The Municipal Council is investigating a proposal by the Rotary Club that a free public library be established.

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References

Barker, Jenny, Why is reading important? The lifelong benefits of reading, 95 Percent Group, 19 January 2024.

Bulletin of the Harden-Murrumburrah Historical Society, ....

McDonald, D.I., The Shire of Harden: a history of local government 1890 - 1990, Harden Shire Council, 1990, 104p.

Southwell, H. Arthur T., History of the Settlement and Growth of the Murrumburrah District, part 4, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate, 2 December 1937.

TROVE, National Library of Australia, Canberra, accessed 3 October 2026+. 

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Harden Murrumburrah: Aboriginal heritage | Allsopp & Barnes Families | Cinema / Picture Theatres | Council Chambers | Fossil animals | Guillaux - flying into Harden 1914 | Historic Buildings | Hotels, Pubs & Inns | Libraries | McMahon's Reef Goldfield | Platypus | Postal Services | Railways | Sheep |

Last updated: 3 October 2026

Michael Organ, Australia