Rear view of Eltham Library showing loading dock and ramp to the front of the building. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, for which he won the 1995 Royal Australian Insitute of architects (Vic.) Merit Award in the New Institutional category. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p183 Award-winning Eltham Library, with its earthy tones blending into the nearby parklands, celebrates some of the best of Eltham’s spirit. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, the library at Panther Place, won him the 1995 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Vic) Merit Award in the New Institutional category.1 The design is typical of Burgess’ work, emphasising natural materials and forms, and the integration of building and site.2 In its distinctive architectural character, Burgess celebrated the spirit of Eltham’s artist/architect Justus Jörgenson and mud-brick builder Alistair Knox. However this library, which opened in 1994, follows decades of efforts to acquire a suitable library for local residents. It was only in 1971 that Eltham acquired its first purpose-built library. In the 1930s books were borrowed from a mobile library run by Mr Foster of Bible Street. From the 1930s to the early 1950s, adults borrowed books from the newsagency and general store in Main Road (still a newsagency) near Arthur Street. As late as the 1950s, adults borrowed books in the shire office foyer, then in Main Road near the corner of Arthur Street.3 In the early 1950s the ratepayers voted for lower rates rather than a library, in a referendum to build a public library financed by higher rates. Children depended on volunteers for their library service until 1966. In 1946 the inaugural meeting of the Eltham War Memorial Trust’s Women’s Auxiliary, decided to support the Trust by raising funds to buy land and build a Children’s Library, Baby Health Centre and other facilities. The auxiliary formed the Children’s Library Committee, which included Mrs Morrison, Mrs Bow and Mrs Currie. They ran a library service in the stage area of the Eltham Hall, at the corner of Arthur Street and Main Road. In 1952 the books were relocated to a room in the newly opened Baby Health Centre on Main Road. Then in 1961, the Children’s Library received its own hall beside the Eltham Pre-School Centre on Main Road. From there, each month, volunteers delivered books to every school in the shire. In 1966 the Children’s Library closed after 17 years of service, following the transfer of the Trust land and buildings to the Shire of Eltham. The books were donated to nine schools in the shire and to Community Aid Abroad. An important boost to the library service came in 1965, when the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was formed by the City of Heidelberg with the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley. Its first library service for Eltham Shire was a bookmobile van. Books for children and adults were finally housed in one building in 1966, when the shire converted the Brinkkotter house in Dudley Street, into a library. At last in 1971, the Eltham Library moved to new premises attached to the shire offices near Panther Place. However these were demolished in 1996, by State Government appointed commissioners during council amalgamations. Meanwhile the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was disbanded in 1985 and the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. The burgeoning population brought pressure for a bigger library. Eltham was one of several municipalities in the 1970s and 1980s, battling with the State Government for adequate funding for public libraries. Funds were so tight, that in 1987 Eltham councillors threatened to close the library. However public petitions persuaded them to set aside funds to replace the cramped library facilities. In 1992 the Federal Government gave $887,496 towards the $3 million cost of the 1560 square metre library.4 The result is a light and spacious building with surrounding verandas, made of sustainable natural materials including earth and recycled and radially sawn timbers. It includes a gallery and function areas. In 2004 Mr Burgess won Australian architecture’s highest accolade: the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal. He has received more than forty professional and community awards.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, eltham library, panther place

Designed by multi-award-winning architect, Gregory Burgess, for which he won the 1995 Royal Australian Institute of architects (Vic.) Merit Award in the New Institutional category. Eltham Library Service 1930s - 1994 Originally collated by Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society Inc (1993-2009) (edited 2022) In the Eltham township area, in the early 1930s, library books for adults were available from E J Andrew's newsagency in Main Road. In the newsagency cum haberdashery, some shelves were set aside for a lending library of adults' books. In 1935, Mr & Mrs JC Rains purchased the newsagency and continued the lending service until the late 1940s. At this time the business was extended from haberdashery to sell ladies' and men's clothing. The library section was discontinued. In the 1930s a mobile book library was also run by a Mr Foster of Bible Street, Eltham. In the 1950s adult books were available from racks in the foyer of the Eltham Shire Offices which was then located beside the Eltham Hall on the comer of Arthur Street and Main Road. In the early 1950s a referendum of ratepayers was called to seek public opinion on the issue of raising money for a public library for which the rates would have to be increased - the motion was defeated. On 11 November 1965 Eltham Shire Council, in conjunction with the City of Heidelberg and the Shire of Diamond Valley, met to form the Heidelberg Regional Library Service. Eltham was represented by Councillors Charis Pelling and John Lewis. The first library service for the Shire of Eltham from this group came in the shape of a bookmobile van which had, amongst others, a central stopover near the Shillinglaw trees outside the newly opened Shire offices at 895 Main Road, the original site of Shillinglaw Cottage and the former Shillinglaw farm. Present-day Wingrove Park was another stopover and the many recorded requests for this service can be read as denoting the areas of population or gathering points at that period throughout the Shire. 1968 saw the Shire convert the ‘Brinkkotter’ house in Dudley Street to house both adult and children's books. This library was originally staffed from the City of Heidelberg Library and records of committee meetings range from borrowing Heidelberg's old library shelving to trying to increase the Government's subsidy to a dollar for dollar basis. Book loans in the period 1966-67 totalled 30,400 and the following year ran to 52,113. With 2 books plus 1 paperback the limit per person, it was overcrowded and unable to house the range of other services which had become common library stock. Planning to extend the Shire Offices by the addition of the south wing was an opportunity to re-house the Shire's Library. The opening of the library in the extension was carried out on 17th August 1971 by the Hon R J Hamer ED, MP, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Cr Geoffrey Dreverman officiated as the Shire President. The Heidelberg Regional Library Service continued until September 1985 when it disbanded. On 21 November 1985 the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. At that time Eltham was represented by Councillors Mary Grant and Robert Manuell. By 1987, over-crowding of the Eltham Library and an inability to house the range of other services yet again rose to prominence. At a Council meeting held on 1 June 1987, the Councillors supported a resolution which threatened to close the library on 30 September 1987. Council's frustration arose from yet another re-run of the annual State Government versus Council Library funding and records show first arose in Eltham Council in 1967 with the Government of 1he day. After prolonged public anger and petitions the motion to close the library was rescinded in August 1987. Council, considering the community's concern, set up a ‘Library Review Working Party’ which a year later became the Library Occasional Committee with direct access to Council. This Committee investigated the workings of the 386 square metre library and found inadequate space for storage and display, lack of equipment, out-of-date furniture together with an increasing patronage which resulted in queues of borrowers becoming longer no matter when the library was open. Community consultation took the form of 1,000 questionnaires sent to users and non-users along with noticeboard reminders of what was planned. Council developed a strategy to set aside capital funds from 1988 on an annual basis so that preliminary planning and consultative expenses could be met, and construction could be completed early 1997. The Committee visited metropolitan libraries which were catering for a similar population as was projected for Eltham. Australia-wide Federal Government funding grants under the Local Capital Works Program became available from October 1992 for community projects endorsed by local Councils. The Eltham Council submitted a proposal, based on library findings and requirements accumulated by the Library Occasional Committee, to the Federal Grants Committee to build a new Eltham Library. The Federal Grants Committee supported the funding request allowing commencement of the library project three years earlier than planned. With finance finalised, the Council set up its Eltham Library Re-development Special Committee which was given the task of overseeing what could be the last major expansion of the Shire's Library Service as Eltham's population nears its projected maximum. The new library was designed by Gregory Burgess and Peter Ryan of Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd. Construction of the library commenced in 1993 and was officially opened May 22nd, 1994. The library building was designed to reflect its parkland setting. External features include: the roof which includes interesting aspects when viewed from Main Road; verandahs which provide ramp access and give a sheltered entrance to the building; walls which feature locally made mudbricks, conventional bricks and copper panels; and space for an outdoor courtyard/reading area which will be developed later. Internally there are several features. The building includes a foyer with a fireplace suitable for displays including artwork, a community multi-purpose room suitable for meetings or functions and an outdoor cafeteria. The ceilings are lined with Victorian Ash. The shapes for the ceiling give a free-flowing form to the building. Brush Box has been used for the circulation and information desks. The tree trunk columns are Grey lronbark from New South Wales. Arches and various-shaped windows add interest to the internal structure. The carpet design reflects the Eltham environment and compliments the natural colours and timbers used in the building. Tiles by artist Felix Bosari feature in the building and additional art by local artists added externally and internally to the building. Since 1994 the library has undergone a major extension to cater for children’s services and others. See also EDHS_02111jim connor collection, eltham, eltham library, panther place

Boyd asks "What sort of cities do we want?" Various alternatives were discussed at the 14th Royal Institute of Architects convention 1965. The theme of the convention was Civic Development, accompanied by a public exhibition "Man in the Street". A fairly clear definition of the ideal shape for our urban character emerged. It was accepted that congestion, dullness and ugliness would become even more of a problem. Boyd offers a bird's eye view of the nature of our cities as we move progressively outwards.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘New life for Cities. The choice – metropolitan excitement or Canberra order?' in The Australian, 10.4.1965.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 6 pagesroyal institute of architects convention 1965, australian cities, arthur odell, john overall, robin boyd, manuscript

Inge KING (26 November 1915 – 23 April 2016) Born Berlin, Germany Arrived Australia 1951 Inge King trained as a wood carver and studied at the Berlin Academy (1937-1939), Royal Academy London (1940), and the Glascow School of Art (1941-1843) . She moved to London in 1847 and began carving organic abstract forms in wood and stone. In 1949-50 she went on a study tour to the United States of America where she was inspired to work in metal . Inge King arrived in Australia in 1951 and she completed several large scale public works. Between 1861 and 1875 Inge King lectured at the Institute of Early Childhood Development, Kew. From 1976 to 1987 she lectured in Sculpture at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. She was a founding member of the Ceminal Centre Five group, and she actively lobbied architects, governments and State galleries to include modernist sculptures in their plans and displays. In 1991 Inge King joined the first National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Public Art Committee, advising on public art at risk and worthy of Trust classification. The Australian Women's Art Register describes Inge King as having been at the forefront of developing a non figurative vocabulary in Australian Sculpture. Welded bronzed steel sculpture painted black and red. This sculpture by Inge King was purchased in 1967 with funds raised by staff and students of Ballarat Teachers' College, a predecessor institution of Federation University Australia. During this era a collection was made which resulted in an annual purchase or commission of an artwork of note. The Federation University Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007. Signed 'I. King' on the lower steel plate. art, artwork, inge king, king, sculpture, ballarat teachers' college collection, welded metal, metal sculpture

In 1942, the expansion of the war into the Pacific expanded wartime operations in Australia and some of the RVIB buildings were comandeered for house military staff. This plan, drawn up in March 1942 by J.G. and authorised by the Superintending Architect and (W. Dale)Works Director Air Services show the layout of the main building at 557 St Kilda Road as well as that of the babies nursery. Doorways, cupboards and stairwells are annotated in this carbon copy, as well as the layout of Ormond Hall.1 architectural plan of St Kilda Road layoutmyer house, royal victorian institute for the blind, plans, raaf

In 1949 an architect produced this plan to detail the addition of a bedroom for the nursing staff, who looked after children in the Blind Babies nursery. The plan shows a layout of the RVIB site, including the 'Myers Home' (the name of the nursery) where young children were cared for. The south and eastern elevations are detailed, as well as a plan of the nursery, which had 4 bedrooms, a living room, a dinning room , bathroom, 2 kitchen areas and the proposed additional nurses bedroom next to Bedroom 4.1 architectural plan of Myer House and proposed extensionPercy E Everett, Chief Architectroyal victorian institute for the blind, rvib nursery, plans, myer house

Over 1962-63, plans were drawn up for the conversion of the main building into administrative offices and a rehabilitation centre. As the children were now located at the school in Burwood, and with funds achieved from the sale of the old factory buildings to the Alfred Hospital, the St Kilda Road building could expand room for its office workers and provide greater floor space to rehabilitation staff. These plans show the proposed conversion from bedrooms to administrative and rehabilitation areas.7 architectural plans and 1 letterJohn F D Scarborough and Partners, Architectsroyal victorian institute for the blind, plans

In 1924 plans were submitted to the RVIB board for the addition of a new veranda and associated drainage pipes located in the courtyard behind Ormond Hall. Hand written notes on the plan indicate that the tender for materials from Pollards was 330 pounds, asphalt 35 pounds totally a cost of 365 pounds. And that additional costs of 120 pounds, comprising of 20 for G Lavatory (?) and J Famdy (?) 100 pounds.1 architectural plans for proposed verandah and drainageStephenson & Meldrum, Architects Collins Court 374 Little Collins Street Melbourne Phone: 6990royal victorian institute for the blind, plans

In this undated drawing, believed to have been done in 1925, an existing bluestone store was extended out into the courtyard area. The extensions were on the south and west elevations, and the drawing includes a floor plan of these areas. Noted on the plan is the removal of fireplaces that existed in this building, the location abutting the Alfred Hospital reserve and location of the motor room.1 architectural plan of extension to bulk storeStephenson & Meldrum, Architects 374 Little Collins Street Melbourne Phone: 6990 On the back: Widening of old bluestone store plans & specroyal victorian institute for the blind, plans