Harden-Murrumburrah libraries - an intellectual cure for the "roughs"

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A warm contest for intellectual supremacy between Harden and Murrumburrah is expected to follow the establishment of the library. (Daily Telegraph, Sydney, 1896)

Harden Public Library 2025.

Contents

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

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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, and libraries have a continuing role to play (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, read a newspaper, or access information resources. 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 and magazines, 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 a small country town located on the south western slopes of New South Wales, Australia, approximately 3 1/2 hours by car inland from the coast, with a population of roughly 2,000. 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 and the immediate surrounding areas is little known, at least to the present writer, prior to 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 magazines, and personal reminiscences. A brief, summary history is included, based on the detail chronology which follows. The Chronology section includes extracts from historical sources and associated commentary. Examples can be seen throughout of the various types of libraries which have existed in the region over time, such as school-based, those which cater to technical training, organisational, and free public library initiatives. A somewhat colourful history is revealed, including instances of religious conflict, inter-town rivalry, wasted opportunity and ongoing community engagement and support.

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2. A brief history

For tens of thousands of years the Indigenous Aboriginal people of the region, who possessed an oral tradition, instilled learning through practical teachings in Country and transmission of oral traditions and lore, whether it be in the provision of practical advice or through mystical and spiritual dreaming stories. The "library" as such was the world around them and the physical and metaphysical environment, including pictorial materials such as cave art and stone engravings, with associated stories; the "library staff" were their family, friends, teachers and Elders; the learnings were through listening, watching, ceremony and practical application. Knowledge was stored within family, clan, tribe and community.

Following the British invasion of 1788, the town of Murrumburrah arose during the 1830s and 1840s as a result of the taking up of land in the region to support agricultural pursuits such as the harvesting of wheat, and the raising of sheep and cattle.

Regionally, by 1857 a Mechanics Institute and library had been established at nearby Yass, and closer at Young / Lambing Flat in 1861. Mechanics institutes were Victorian era institutions .... set up primarily to provide adult education, particularly in technical subjects, to working-class men (Wikipedia). To support that, they usually contained libraries. Also in existence were free public libraries, such as that made available in Sydney during 1827. However, they were not as common, especially in country areas, and they only appeared as governments local, state and federal developed the necessary financial resources to build and sustain them. Nevertheless, the desire for a free public library came early to Murrumburrah.

During 1869 a Murrumburrah correspondent for The Yass Courier suggested that the establishment of such a library would raise the tone of the local youth who were not prone to the pursuit of intellectual activities, but were described as rough. In 1877 the railway came to the new town of Harden which was established adjacent and to the east of 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 enthusiastically envisioned in Harden during 1879 and opened two years later. Much of it came to fruition, though membership for a long time was restricted to railway employees. 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.

The issue of "a love of reading" would be referred to in newspapers throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, revealing the fact that libraries were considered very much a necessary element of a burgeoning town and community. In 1896 the new local mayor made a statement outlining the significance of a free public library, and the following year the local Burrough of Murrumburrah Council issued a set of by-laws to accommodate this initiative. By 1898 the Council had secured funding to the value of £250 to purchase approximately 600 volumes, which were housed in the Chambers and served as a Free Public Library through to 1912. Town Clerk Mr. R.B. Wallace also acted as Municipal Librarian throughout that period, whilst resident in the Council Chambers. In 1912 the Murrumburrah Public Library collection was transferred to the new Murrumburrah School of Arts building, whose own library collection was subscription access only. The public collection was nevertheless accessible but could not be borrowed. Mr. W. Worner was employed as caretaker and librarian at the School of Arts. By the end of 1914 it had, in combination, almost 2,000 volumes in the collection.

The Harden Mechanics Institute, in its operation from 1879, appears to have occupied more than a single location prior to the construction of the present Neil Street building in 1909. These included a room in a local pub. As the Mechanics Institute remained a members-only facility, this was problematic, both in regards to serving the general community and the receipt of funding from government.

Mechanics Institute, Harden, 2016. Photograph: Greg Davis.

During 1939 the issue of the use of public institutions such as Mechanics Institutes and Schools of Arts in providing communities with library services was raised, with the suggestion that centralized services, such as those managed by regional councils, would be more appropriate. A motion to actually close the Murrumburrah School of Arts was put at the time, but defeated.

In 1951 the local branch of Rotary called for the creation of a truly free public library to serve the twin towns of Harden and Murrumburrah. The following year the Young-based South-Western Regional Library Board put in place a process to make this happen, with the regional librarian from Young, Miss Valda McClymont, involved in the guiding committee. By 1954 the Murrumburrah School of Arts library collection had been acquired by the local Murrumburrah Shire Council, as part of a State-wide government initiative which included 45 other instances. Eventually the Harden library found a home in the old Trinity Centre, comprising the former Saint Columba's Catholic school buildings on Albury Street. That complex had opened in 1916 and operated through to 1980. At some point thereafter its use was acquired by Hilltops Council, and the Harden Library utilises that space as of writing (October 2026).

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Chronology

1857

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

1861

* The Young Mechanics Institute is opened in 1857. It features a library. This was, at the time, the closest such facility to Murrumburrah.

1862

* Murrumburrah Public School is established. Schools in the area, both primary and secondary, would go on to develop libraries to service their students' educational needs. These would include defined texts and general reading material, some of which could be borrowed. Such school library materials would usually be subject to heavy use.

Comment: Teachers would serve as librarians over the following years, and later specific school librarians would be employed, depending on available resources. Both public schools and private Catholic schools would service Murrumburrah and Harden, though after 1980 Catholic high school students would need to attend school at Young.

1869

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

Murrumburrah (From our Correspondent)

.... I hope that it is not the last occasion on which the comparatively isolated community of Murrumburrah 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 club might be formed here, and their efforts would, I think, agreeably help us to pass the 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 be little of that roughness (using a mild term) at present so peculiar to them.

1879

* 5 July 1879, Mechanics Institute, Murrumburrah, Cootamundra Herald. In lieu of the opening of a railway line in 1877 connecting Murrumburrah to Sydney, and the formation of the new township of Harden, a detailed report is presented on the local meeting to promote the creation of a Mechanics Institute. It includes references to the importance of an associated library, where locals could enjoy:

... the privileges of an extensive library [and] large reading-room where newspapers and periodicals were placed upon the tables; of attending lectures; and of other intellectual studies.

Such a library could, and should, also include the following:

Place in the reading-room most if not all the country newspapers (the proprietors of which are always found to be generous to mechanics' institutes), daily and weekly papers of our own and other colonies; colonial, inter-colonial, English, and American periodicals and magazines; and books of reference giving universal information. The Statutes of the colony, and all public documents of interest to the people, would be regularly supplied by the State. In addition to these, a library could be gradually formed by purchase and donations; lectures could be provided; discussion, conversation, reading, writing, and other classes could be formed; and legitimate pastimes — such as chess and draughts and others — could be introduced for the members.

Comment: This meeting is followed by action to erect such a facility close to the railway station at Harden, in order to service the workers there. A Mechanics Institute had not been created at Murrumburrah as that town, located immediately to the west of, and abutting upon, Harden mostly served the local farming community up to that point in time.

1881

* 6 August 1881, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Construction of the Harden Mechanics Institute.

Mechanics Institute, Harden

A Mechanics' Institute is in course of erection at Harden, the site chosen being nearly opposite the goods-shed. The foundation-stone will be laid, we hear, one day next week by the Hon. John Lackey, M.L.A., Minister for Works. The building will have a length of about 50 x 14 feet, but a portion of this, we understand, will be cut off and let as a shop, or store. Mr. Pemell, who has recently built several cottages at Harden for D. H. Campbell, Esq., is foreman of the building, which is being built by public subscription, aided by an endowment from Government.

Comment: Harden Mechanics Institute was erected at a cost of £500. It would eventually house a library and reading room and was in use through to 1909 when the replacement multi-story Mechanics Institute building on Neil Street was opened.

1886

* 29 May 1886, The Freeman's Journal, Sydney: Account of a secular incident at the Harden Mechanics Institute library room concerning the Orange (Protestants) and the Green (Irish Catholics).

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 Orange-men, 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 of 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 based in Sydney. It had local correspondents.

1887

* Government estimates for 1887 provided support to the value of £38 for the Murrumburrah "School of Arts or Mechanics Institute". This obviously referred to the latter.

1890

* The New South Wales Post Office Directory 1889-1890. This publication noted that the Murrumburrah Mechanics Institute library had 416 volumes in its collection.

1896

* 19 December 1896, Cootamundra Herald: Report extracted from the Daily Telegraph, Sydney, supporting the creation of a free public library serving the Murrumburrah local government area.

Murrumburrah

A travelling scribe from the Daily Telegraph writes: ...... Mr. Bourke is determined that his term in the mayoral chair shall be memorable for two things. First, the bridge, subject always to the good nature and strong sense of justice hidden in the Works Department; and second, a municipal library. Under some sections in the Municipalities Act, it is possible for municipalities of a certain population to obtain a grant from the Government to establish a library for the mental cultivation of the ratepayers. There is a School of Arts, to be sure, but Murrumburrah has wider ambitions. A municipal library will afford solid reading at no cost to subscribers [that's a bud!] The ratepayers [and the general public] can stroll into the council chambers on a cool summer evening and find solace in good solid reading in science, art, mechanics, or whatever he wills. The council has to provide the accommodation for the volumes and contribute a small proportion from its own funds; but the bulk of it will come from the central Government.

There is to be no ephemeral literature in the Murrumburrah municipal library. The Mayor has prepared a list which passed the scrutiny of the director of the Public Library in Sydney with flying colours. A warm contest for intellectual supremacy between Harden and Murrumburrah is expected to follow the establishment of the library.

[As to the foregoing, the writer's tone is of a cynical nature. We commend Murrumburrah's zealous Mayor (Mr. John Bourke) for his care for the intellectual instruction and enjoyment of his people. Why should not ratepayers and the public in the country enjoy a free public library when it is well known that they do enjoy it in Sydney at the state expense? - Ed. C.H.]

Comment: The reference here by the Telegraph journalist to a Murrumburrah School of Arts most likely refers to the Mechanics Institute. It also raises the issue of growing tension between the towns of Murrumburrah and Harden. As one Murrumburrah correspondent noted in 1890, reference to Harden at the time was simply as an unnamed located "...at the other end of the town."

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 (reproduced below).

* 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 such 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, Mayor
R. B. Wallace, 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 12 May.

Comment: Wallace had arrived in Murrumburrah in 1880 as an auctioneer and set up The Murrumburrah Signal newspaper with his brother (McDonald 1990). 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 the history of the organisation published in 1990, his service as Municipal Librarian is not mentioned therein. However, Wallace did live in the residence attached to the Council Chambers and therefore likely acted in service of the library as per the 1897 By-Laws, being available during all hours of Council business.

Murrumburrah Council Chambers.

* 22 May 1897, Cootamundra Herald: Announcement of the creation of the Murrumburrah Free Public Library.

Murrumburrah

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

1898

* 8 January 1898, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

The Murrumburrah Municipal Council received correspondence from the Government statistician asking for a return of the books in the Free Public Library for statistical purposes. (RA)

* 9 January 1898, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

At a meeting of the supporters of Mr Mackay in the Murrumburrah portion of the Boorowa electorate “he has secured for us a magnificent Free Public Library which coast £250.” (RA)

* 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.

Comment: This was referring to the purchase of books and furniture for the library and reading room in the Murrumburrah Council Chambers building on Albury Street. It would remain here through to 1912 when it was transferred to the Murrumburrah School of Arts collection.

* 3 September 1898, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate. It was noted that:

100 volumes of new books have just been added to our local Mechanics Institute library.

Comment: Library materials for the Harden Mechanics Institute were secured through funds provided by subscriptions.

* 10 September 1898, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

.....without doubt the residents of Murrumburrah and Harden are well off for literature, and it is certainly their own fault if they do not profit by the opportunities offered. The committee of our local Mechanic’s Institute has secured another lot of nice new books, and the number includes light, interesting and most instructive reading. Besides this excellent collection of close on 10 volumes, and box of 70 odd volumes arrived from the Free Public Library, Sydney, and are also now available for the use of subscribers. (RA)

1899

* 28 January 1899, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

At a meeting of the Mechanics’ Institute secretary’s report included library facts: the number of books in the Library on the 31^st of December 1897 was 520 and on the 31^st of December 1898 the number was 615 being an increase of 95 purchased by the Committee, in addition to this we have on the shelves almost continuously about 100 volumes loaned by the Trustees of the Free Public Library, Sydney. (RA)

* 6 February 1899, New South Wales Government Gazette: Report of the cost of the Murrumburrah Free Public Library collection.

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

1900

* 12 May 1900, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

Intellectual Threat

Without a doubt the resident of Murrumburrah and Harden have within their reach an intellectual treat which is not at the disposal of most other country towns, in New South Wales, and if they do mat make use of the pleasure and instruction afforded by same during the long winter nights well, they have only themselves to blame. At Harden there is the Mechanics’ Institute with its snug Reading Room and Library, where newspapers and excellent books of various kinds are to be seen and read. The sum of 2s 6d per quarter entitles a member to sit and read by a snug fire every night, or else you may take the books home and read them at leisure in your own dwellings. Then in Murrumburrah at the Council Chambers is one of the finest Free Public Libraries to be found out of the metropolis, containing not only magnificent books of reference, but also scores of interesting books of travel, poetry, etc. by the very best authors known. Of course, these books are not allowed off the premises, but the public may go and read them at leisure. (RA)

* 26 May 1900, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

THE Borough Council received correspondence from the Free Public Library Association of Australasia, asking Council to become a member of same. (RA)

* 9 June 1900, Murrumburrah Visited, The Freeman's Journal. Extract from a article describing a visit to Murrumburrah and Harden.

... Across the bridge [from Murrumburrah] towards Harden is the Town Hall [Council Chambers], a handsome brick structure. Attached is the residence of the Council Clerk, Mr. Wallace, a pupil of the 'Carpet Bagger,' a well known contributor to The Freeman's Journal columns. The Town Hall is one of the most elaborate pieces of architecture in the municipality and a credit to the ratepayers.

At Harden there is a Mechanics' Institute, whilst in the Murrumburrah Council Chambers is stocked some wholesome literature, selected with much care at Messrs Angus and Robertson's, Sydney, by the Hon. K. Mackay and Mayor Bourke. Residents have free access to this repository of knowledge, and visitors are allowed a similar privilege by the mere introduction of the Mayor and City Fathers. The free library is exceedingly popular. I did not notice in the Council Chambers, as in other places, that a special place - a reserved parlour - was set apart for the Mayor, with costly-furnished apartments and handsome furniture and a cupboard. It would be unkind to suggest that in some places the cupboard of the Mayor's parlour is absolutely indispensable.

Comment: This article includes images of the town and of the mayor, though not of the two buildings containing the libraries.

* 28 July 1900, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

Here and There

Pity the splendid Free Public Library at the Murrumburrah Council Chambers is not made more use of by our residents, as there is a magnificent lot of interesting books on the shelves. Perhaps if the Council made more encouraging arrangements several of our people would visit the library during the winter nights. (RA)

1901

* 11 May 1901, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

A newspaper item by Free Lance - Let me try and get the local Council to do something to induce the residents of our town to make use of the Free Public Library during the winter nights. I do hope some action will be taken to cause the Chambers to be open at least three or four nights in the week, with a cosy fire for visitors, and a pack of cards, some draughts and dominoes, etc, to help them to pass the time away pleasantly. The extra cost would be very small comped with the great good it might do in endearing our young men and lads to keep off the streets. And let me remind three latter of the numerous very interesting and instructive books which our Library contains. They only need inspecting to be heartily appreciated, and I consider it is the Council’s bounden duty to make the Library as enticing and as popular as possible. It is useless having books unless they are made use of. Far better to cart them up to the Mechanics’ Institute or anywhere else whey they would be used, rather than allow them to lie idle on the shelves. It is certainly very awkward for resident is not being able to take the books from the Chamber, but if the Council made things attractive many of our residents would be induced to go and read the books at the Chambers. (RA)

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

* 17 May 1905, Australian Town and Country Journal, Sydney. A fulsome report of a visit to the towns of Harden and Murrumburrah is given, with photographs.

THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

The Murrumburrah-Harden Mechanics' Institute was erected in 1879, at a cost of about £500, which was raised by public subscriptions... Since that time the institute has passed through many vicissitudes, but it is now in a very flourishing condition, with a substantial credit balance. Several additions have been made to the original building, notably a reading-room, a library, and the extension of the main hall a distance of thirty feet, with the erection of a good stage twenty feet in width. It is hoped that at no very distant date the committee will be able to remove the old building, which has many disadvantages, and erect a good, large, and convenient hall. The library is well stocked with carefully-selected volumes, and additions are made to it every second month, so that the latest books are at the disposal of subscribers. The reading-room contains all the principal metropolitan and provincial papers, magazines, and periodicals, as well as several of the leading English and American magazines, and both library and reading-room are well used by the members.

* 19 October 1905, The Catholic Press, Sydney. Report on a meeting of the Murrumburrah branch of the HCAB (Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society) - an Irish Catholic Friendly Society - held in the convent school room. During the meeting, the 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.

Comment: This suggestion was likely in connection with the local Catholic school, though it may also have been more broadly considered.

1909

* The new Mechanics Institute / Public Hall at 31 Neil Street, Harden, is opened. It is a substantial two story building, with facilities for public meetings and a library and reading room. The old, smaller Mechanics Institute at the railway station is hereinafter referred to as the Railway and Tramway Institute, before later seeing use as the Harden Men's Shed.

1912

* 4 March 1912, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Report on the laying of the foundation stone of the new Murrumburrah School of Arts, including a library. See also the Smoke Signal report of an evening celebration in the Harden Mechanics Hall, which contained the following information:

Amongst the guarantors were most of the old pioneers of the tow. Mr. Carmichael had also agreed to let them have the fine library that is now lying practically unused in the Council Chambers, which cost £250, which would form the nucleus of a first class library.

* 2 May 1912, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Report on the Murrumburrah School of Arts committee which noted the following:

The Library and Reading Room Committee met and decided to ask the guarantors for £75 to equip that portion of the institution. The Rev. W. Powell had procured a list of the Public Library books at the Council of which there were 600 which cost £250.

*18 July 1912, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate:

Council Meeting, Monday, 15th July 1912

The Secretary of the Murrumburrah School of Arts wrote asking that the books belonging to the Free Public Library be handed over to their Institution; also that they be given the shelving and large roller blind. The Mayor said he thought before the books were handed over the Council should get something in writing from the Department of Education to the effect that they had the power to hand the books over. At present they had only the verbal word of a deputation that waited on the Minister that they could do so. He suggested a motion on the subject. He did not want to raise any objection to the books going there, as he thought they were better in the School of Arts than in the Council Chambers, and would form the nucleus of a splendid library; but as the Council were guardians of the books they should have a written authority to hand them over.

Ald. Bembrick moved, "That the Clerk write to the Minister for Education, and ask if the Council had power to hand the books over to the Murrumburrah School of Arts." He also thought the Council should have a written understanding that the books would be available to the public free of charge for reference, and that they would not be let out. Ald. Hart seconded the motion, which was carried.

With regard to the shelving and roller blind the Mayor said he did not think it was within the province of the Council to give either the blind or the shelves. If they did the Auditor would want to know where they were, as they were booked as amongst the Council's assets.

* 19 August 1912, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Operation of the Mechanics Institute library.

Harden Mechanics' Institute

ONE of the big successes in this district is the Mechanics' Institute at Harden, which since the enlargement of the hall and erection of reading room, class rooms, etc., has made progress far beyond the expectations of its most sanguine supporters. When the improvements were undertaken it was considered that the liability on the Institute would be a rather heavy burden; but ever since the opening of the new building its career has been one of qualified success, and while the membership has increased, and the facilities of the place for mental and physical recreation have been in demand to an extent that was never expected. Indeed, it is in such request at present that the Committee had a difficulty in securing a date for their ball. This must be very gratifying to those gentlemen who worked so hard to bring the desired result about, especially, as the liability on the building is now reduced to a very inconsiderable sum. This has encouraged the Committee to do better and it may not be long before further improvements are undertaken, which will add greatly to the comfort and convenience of its patrons. Amongst the first things to be done will, we understand, be the removal of the library to another room and placing two more tables in the one now used as a reading-room and library. Special desks are also to be put round the walls for some various newspapers, thus affording more accommodation to members who desire to sit at the table and read the magazines etc. The enlargement of the hall is also on the list of improvements for consideration, including the erection of a gallery, but we understand the Committee will first pay attention to what they justly consider to the most important part of the Institute, the reading room and library.

* 15 August 1912, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Librarian for the School of Arts.

School of Arts: Mr. W. Worner has been elected Secretary, Caretaker, and Librarian of the Murrumburrah School of Arts at a salary of £104 per annum. The library, reading-room, and billiard room at the School of Arts will be available for the use of the members on and after Friday, Aug. 23rd.

* 22 August 1912, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Book cataloguing.

School of Arts:... The library will be open when the books are catalogued.

* 29 August 1912, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Transfer of Council library collection.

Municipal Council Meeting, Monday, August 12th, 1912:

Amongst the outward correspondence was a letter informing the Murrumburrah School of Arts Committee that the necessary permission had been given by the Minister for Public Instruction to hand over the Public Library to them, but that it was stipulated that the Council must retain control of the books, which must be kept separate, and only read in the School of Arts.

* 14 November 1912, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Library usage.

School of Arts: ....The secretary's report disclosed the fact that the library was being well patronised, 546 books having been taken out to date. The children and working men in particular were very consistent supporters of the library.

1913

* 10 July 1913, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Notice that a children's library has been introduced to the School of Arts.

1914

* 20 April 1914, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: New books.

The School of Arts library will contain over 1000 volumes when the next consignment is received, to say nothing of the 750 volumes in the Public Library. We must compliment Mr. Read on the way he keeps the library.

Comment: New library materials were added to the School of Arts collection through the use of subscriptions and donations.

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 included a library, though it is unclear whether its use was open to the public or restricted to members of the church.

1925

* 23 June 1925, Cootamundra Herald: Mechanics Institute library committee.

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

Comment: The Harden Mechanics Institute is here renamed the Railway and Tramway Institute.

1933

* 10 August 1933, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Noted that the Murrumburrah School of Arts Library sub-committee comprised Messrs Mathews and Arthur.

1939

* 1939 - The New South Wales Library Act of 1939 gave rise to the creation of the Young Public Library. This would form the basis for the creation of the regional library network during the 1950s.

* 23 March 1939, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Creation of a centralised library at Murrumburrah high school.

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.

* 3 August 1939, Motion to close School of Arts, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate. A discussion is held concerning a motion to close the School of Arts. It is defeated. One of the reasons given related to the existence of the library, as follows:

[Mr. A.M. Hall] ... Libraries in public institutions have been moribund more or less for the past sixty years, and recent movements to spread largely throughout New South Wales of central libraries cannot be a success whilst the public will support Institutions like those in these two towns which are dying fast. The council could not render any assistance for in every case it meant duplication, owing to the Municipality having two institutions. He had been told that if the School of Arts had a library worth subscribing to, the people would join. The ladies are utterly sick of constant efforts to keep these shows going, and for this reason he would like the members to seriously consider the question.

Mr. Neil, in seconding the motion, said the whole concern was economically unsound. How could the members hope to carry on when the expenditure amounts to £3 per week and the receipts are only 30/-. The real reason for the failure of Schools of Arts throughout the country was because of picture shows, motor cars, dogs, and other forms of amusement.

1943

Murrumburrah School of Arts.

* 15 July 1943, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate. The Murrumburrah School of Arts annual meeting recorded 64 subscribers; library subscriptions were in arrears to the value of £9/19/6; and book purchases and other expenses totalled £23/19/5. The report noted the following regarding the state of the collection:

Library - We purchased 30 books from Miss M. Bourke and we pay over £10 a year for the rent of books from the Katinka Library in addition to £1/1/6 to the Literary Institute Association of N.S.W. Mr J.D. Matthews donated 24 to the Library and Mesdames Holyer, Sullivan and Jennings donated a book each.

The Library Committee took stock of our books early in the year and found 1313 books on our shelves in addition to those out on loan; to-day we had 1380 books on our shelves, and taken with the books in the hands of our Subscribers, we have approximately 1500 books. Some of our books are badly knocked about, but the majority of them are in really good condition and as we have books of several hundreds of different authors, we are able to cater to all tastes in reading matter. As our subscription rates are only 2/6 per quarter for ladies, and 3/- for gents, it is not surprising, considering our expenses, the Library is by no means a financial success.

* 10 December 1943, Cootamundra Herald: Fund raising for the district school library.

.... 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 government resources, both financial and personal, were diverted towards the war effort.

1945

* 1 January 1945 - Young District Public Library began operations in the School of the Arts Building, Lynch St Young. This was the first free public library to be opened under the New South Wales Public Library Act. (LL)

1946

* 14 November 1946, Murrumburrah Signal and County of Harden Advocate: Work on the district school library.

M.I.H.S. Library [Murrumburrah Intermediate High School]

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: Books for the district school library.

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: Support for creation of a new local free public library to service Harden-Murrumburrah.

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

1952

* May 1952 - The South-Western Regional Library Service based in Young commences operation.

* 8 July 1952, Cootamundra Herald: Libraries for Harden and Murrumburrah.

The regional librarian at Young, Miss Valda McClymont, is one of the officials who will assist in establishing public libraries at Harden and Murrumburrah.

* 14 November 1952, Boorowa News: Report on centralised library fines.

Library Fines Fixed

It was resolved at a meeting of the committee of the South-West Regional Library held at Young that the model regulations prepared by the Public Library Board of N.S.W, be adopted and that the question of fines be based at 6d. per week for adults and 3d. per week for children, or a 1d. per day. A letter from the N.S.W. Board conveyed congratulations on the establishment of the Region and noted with satisfaction that the Boorowa Library opened on November 5.... Another decision was that the principle of caretaker-librarians be adopted and given a trial in connection with the Harden Murrumburrah libraries and that action be taken to establish these libraries as early as practicable after the opening of the Boorowa branch.

1954

* 25 June 1954, Central Western Daily, Orange: Transfer of School of Arts library collections.

46 Schools of Arts have given their Libraries to Councils

....In the following centres the entire stock of library books and the library portions of the School of Arts premises had been handed over to local councils: Armidale. Braidwood, Cooma, Coonabarabran, East Maitland, Harden, Moss Vale, Murrumburrah, Narrandera, Penrith, Queanbeyan, Wagga, Wollongong, Temora. Mr. McGreal said that in none of the above instances including the 32 completely handed-over had any compensation been paid by the council concerned.

1970s

* The Harden Murrumburrah Historical Society occupies the old Murrumburrah School of Arts and transforms it into a museum. The Society's library and archives collection is substantial and also housed in the building. It includes published reference material of both local and external historical interest, along with archival collections such as images, artefacts and bound copies of local newspapers. The library and archives collections supplements the museum collection, with some overlap.

1974

* 1974 – Harden Shire Council Chambers on 3 East Street opens with space for a library. (LL)

1980

* 1980 - The St. Columba's Catholic School closes. At some point it is renamed the Trinity Centre, which in turn continues to operate in some form.

1998

* 1998 - The Trinity Centre closes. At some point after this the Harden-Murrumburrah public library is set up there. It is managed by Hilltops Council and the South-Western Regional Library Service.

2016

* 12 May 2016 - Young, Boorowa and Harden Shires amalgamated to form Hilltops Council. South-West Regional Library’s name changed to Hilltops Council Library.(LL)

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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, 1971-Present.

Davis, Greg, Mechanics Institute and Public Hall, Harden 1909, Explored Visions by GD, Facebook, 30 December 2016.

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+.

Wikipedia, Mechanics Institutes of Australia, Wikipedia, accessed 3 October 2026.

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Acknowledgements

In the preparation of this article I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Robyn Atherton (RA) of the Harden Murrumburrah Historical Society and Lauren Ludwig (LL), Librarian, Harden Library. A passing comment by Ms. Ludwig regarding the complexity of the subject tweaked the writer's interest and led him off on a weekend doing a deep dive through TROVE into the machinations of libraries at Murrumburrah and Harden, and the subsequent subtle inter-town rivalries which were not satisfied by the mid-point recreation of the Murrumburrah Council Chambers Free Public Library in 1898. Sections of the aforemention's research findings on this topic have been included, primarily focussed on the period 1898-1900 and the move of the Council library a century later from its offices in Neil Street to the Trinity Centre on Albury Street. Their work has been included and referenced accordingly via the abbreviations RB and LL.

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Last updated: 7 October 2026

Michael Organ, Australia