Warrnambool Public Library The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. SIGNIFICANCE The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. The History of Northcote Author: William George Swift Publisher: The Leader Publishing Co Pty Ltd Date: 1928Label on spine with typed text RA 994.51 SWI warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, the history of northcote, william george swift

RAAF Jacket, service, Squadron leader Hunt (stored with trousers U447B,shirt, belt U447E, tie U447I)uniform, 1971, raaf

Flyer for Radio Personalities John Scott-Griffith #BO Bendigo Supplement to The Leader Black and photo of male in profile.

The Methodist Youth Fellowship was for young people from 15 - 25 year old, which regularly, usually on Friday evenings. They organised camps and summer school conferences.Foolscap Roneoed document which details of the St Margaret's Methodist Youth Fellowship Leaders and young people in 1962.methodist youth fellowship

The Girls' Club was led By Sister Lillian Mott 1956-1959 Colour photo of a group of girls and leaders doing basket weaving at the Errol St. Girls' Club North Melbourne.

B & W Gloss photo of a group of girls and leaders from the North Melbourne Methodist Mission on holiday at Dromana.

A photocopy of a studio portrait of a Scout Leader, Jack Elliot. He is sitting on a stool in front of a coastal landscape backdrop.scout leaders, scout groups, portraits, elliot, jack, george evans collection

Photograph in Stawell Girl Guides Hall Far right Esme MartinLarge Black & White Photos of four Girl Guides Leaders seated in front of group of guides seated on the floor.Marshall Studiosguides

Blackburn Railway crossing too complex to grade separate, Labor MP Tony Robinson told the Leader Newspaper.Blackburn Railway crossing too complex to grade separate, Labor MP Tony Robinson told the Leader Newspaper.blackburn railway crossing, robinson, tony

Photograph of the Burwood Link Pedestrian Bridge at Gardiners Creek Reserve provided by Whitehorse Leader reader Aisling Keogh.Sketch map of location of potteries in the area bounded by Middleborough, Springfield, Mitcham Roads and Burwood Highway.deakin university burwood campus, burwood link pedestrian bridge, gardiners creek reserve

Black and white panoramic photograph of a group of Scouts, Girl Guides, Cubs & Brownies with leaders, approximately 1978-1979On back of photo: "J. Harrison"boy scouts, girl guides, brownies, cub scouts, scouting movement

Navy blue RAF Squadron Leader Mess Jacket with 5 Miniature Medals and 2 Cummerbunds with button fasteners.raaf officer, dining in uniform, formal attire

A souvenir of Egypt brought back by an unknown person at the end of World War 1. It contains a central image of the Sphinx, the Great Pyramids and man seated on camel. There are flags and images of military leaders. The date is unknown but assumed to be from the first World War period. Flags around the central image are from countries allied in World War One, clockwise from bottom left: flag of Belgium ; the Sultanate of Egypt (red flag used 1914-1918) ; French flag ; a form of the UK flag with King George V ; Russian flag and image of Tsar Nicholas II in top right ; Italian flag ; and the Serbian flag in bottom right. The connection with Legacy is not known. The founders of Legacy were all returned servicemen who returned from overseas service in World War One so would be familiar with similar sentimental souvenirs that were purchased in Egypt and sent home to loved ones.A record of a type of souvenir from Egypt at the end of World War 1. Founding Legatees would have been familiar with Egyptian souvenirs from World War 1.Square printed cloth (possibly silk) with lace outer edge, possibly added later. Printed section contains central image of Egyptian Sphinx, pyramids and man seated on camel (facing left). Surrounding main picture is a series of portraits of leaders of countries with national flag.Souvenir of Egyptsouvenir, world war one, egypt

Uniform, Sqd Leader Shane Wrigh. For Service History Refer Cat No. 7877.6.1. Jacket - dark blue colour wool/polyester fabric. Mess Dress style winter collar and long lapels, shoulder epaulettes with Sqn Leader Rank slides - crown and wings. Three rank stripes and "AUSTRALIA" in gold metal and fabric. Gold colour plastic buttons with shank and metal pins. Raised emblem, crown and wings - RAAF. Lining dark blue polyester fabric. White cotton manufacturers label. 2. Trousers - dark blue colour wool/polyester fabric. Fob pocket, two inset side pockets and one back inset pocket. Nylon and metal zipper fly with metal hook closer. Dark blue polyester fabric lining to waistband and pockets. Manufacturers label. 3. Belt - black colour polyester/cotton webbing with metal slide buckle. 4. Cummerbund - dark blue colour elastic fabric, broad sash with hook and loop (Velcro) tape to adjust length. Manufacturers label.Manufacturers information - black ink print. 1. "TRANS TAILORING/ CANBERRA/ EST. 1994/ JOB NO./ RANK/ NAME/ 70% WOOL 30% POLY/ DRY CLEAN ONLY/ REPRESS WITH DAMP CLOTH/ DO NOT SITO SET." 2. "R76/ADA/ 66-2009/ NSN: 8405 66 146 6560/ SIZE: 100S /WAIST: 100 SEAT: 115/ SERVICE NO:/ NAME:/ LAUNDRY INSTRUCTIONS/ 70% WOOL 30% POLYESTER/ DRY CLEAN ONLY/ REPRESS WITH DAMP CLOTH/ WARM IRON/ DO NOT SIRO SET. 4. "ADI/^ /VIC 1992/ 8440.66.035.3818/ SIZE 38" Handwritten black ink pen. 1. "4573/ SQNLDR/ WRIGHT" 2. S. WRIGHT.uniform, raaf, mess dress, winter, s. wright

Brown Framed Caricature of Alan R Reed standing against a map of Vietnam in his Flying Uniform with his helmet tucked under his arm. He has completed one hundred combat missions RF 4C AircraftSquadron Leader Alan R Reed 100 Combat missions. RF 4C Aircraftalan reed, framed picture

Norman Carter took many photos of Surrey Hills and Mont Albert from the 1920s; many were associated with events and activities of the Church of England.Black and white photo showing a group of 16 children, mostly girls, and a teacher standing in a circle around a number of benches in the rear of Holy Trinity's land. All are wearing hats. The house behind the church in Montrose Street can be seen.On the back in ink: "Kindergarten outdoors / Leader:- Miss P. Cornell / 18th. May 1924"churches, holy trinity church, anglican church, kindergartens, miss patsy cornell, montrose street, children

Newspaper. Eaglehawk Leader and Mandurang Advertiser. Photocopied A3 4 page newspaper of Eaglehawk Leader and Mandurang Advertiser dated February 5, 1883 (2 copies) No. 1185. Printed and published by Messrs B ? And Strode, at Eaglehawk. The cost was one penny. Hargreaves St, Sandhurst. Written on top of photocopy.newspaper, eaglehawk leader and mandurang adve, eaglehawk leader and mandurang advertiser

Jenny McGuirk has been a Bundoora resident since 1971 and a prominent community worker and volunteer in a number of different fields3 p. typescript, col. photographs; 3 photocopied photographs, and article from Heidelberg Leader 25/9/2018mcguirk family, jenny mcguirk, volunteering

A pair of articles published by our local newspaper detailing local events.Articles were written by Greensborough Historical Society Member Rosalie Bray.A photocopy of two Local Scene columns from the Diamond Valley Leader newspaper written by GHS member Rosalie Bray.david ramsay low, taxi driver, hubert opperman, doreen simmondson, watsonia little athletics, bundoora netball club

Luncheon held at the Grand Hotel, Melbourne on 21st January 1920."The Leaders of the A.I.F." complimentary luncheon menu and program, hosted by The Federal Executive of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia. Card is personally signed by more than twenty of the attendees, including William Birdwood, Harry Chauvel, John Monash and Cyril Brudenell White.

Note by T.H. Kneen 1 April 1992, "The horse is Donnie. The male student looks like E.C. (Ted) Tyrell (1947) but I am unable to identify the girls."Black and white photograph of a newspaper cutting from The Age or the Leader. 3 students digging in the orchard and one ploughing with a horseorchard, ploughing, horse, don, e.c. (ted) tyrell, students working outside, digging, donnie, donald, newspaper cutting

Black and white photograph of Leader Newspaper offices, formerly Cottees, in Whitehorse Road, Blackburn. Taken from Pedestrian overpass.leader community newspapers, cottees, whitehorse road, blackburn, blackburn pedestrian overpass

Melton and Moorabool Leader Star Weekly article about the Riddell District and Ballarat Football leagues Anzac Day Match local special interest groups, local identities

Poster, “Historical history of the second European War”, rectangular shape off white background colour, top has photos in blue of 5 European & Asian leaders and 4 major Military leaders, text is in red, black & blue, historical dates of the War & advertisements by major Bendigo Businesses, rear is blank.posters, history ww2, european war, bendigo

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of Lady Brooks about to greet Girl Guide Leader Mrs J. Legg. New Warley Hospital Opening 1962.local history, photography, photographs, new warley hospital opening - lady brooks, coloured photograph, new warley hospital, lady brooks, girl guides, john jenner, bryant west