Historical information

W. Thorne architect of Albury designed the library building and the plan was approved in June 1915 The building contractor was J. W. Cochrane of Albury. The land was purchased from Mr. Walter Huon.

On the 28th July 1915 the Shire President, Councillor Beardmore, laid the foundation stone for the building that would become the Wodonga Public Library. Almost 12 months later, on the 8th March 1916, the library was officially opened. It was the pride of Wodonga. The Shire Council closed their doors for a brief period so that all staff could attend the opening and the teachers and children of the local schools also attended. Councillor Beardmore declared that “it was an asset that would return a profit- not in pounds and shillings and pence but in the development and furnishing of the minds and lives of our young people”. It was known as the Beardmore Library.

The Wodonga Athenaeum, in an out of the way location, had closed in 1914 after continuing reports of a lack of funds and the proceeds of the sale of the building went towards the building of the new library. In 1915 the library building committee started to put together a building fund for a new library. The library, situated at 78 High Street, was funded almost exclusively by the public. The books from the Athenaeum were presented to the library committee at the opening in 1916.
The new library was both a place for education and recreation, a communal space to socialise, which also boasted a billiards room downstairs.

In March 1970 construction of a new Civic Centre which included a library began in Wodonga. WIth its completion the following year, the original library was closed down. The building was vacant for some time and deteriorated badly. It was later purchased by Peter Middleton, who extensively restored the building. It is now the home of Middleton's Carpets.

Significance

These images have local significance as they document an important building in Wodonga.

Physical description

2 photos - one black and white and one in colour of the same brick building. The first photo is of the building when it served as the Wodonga Public Library. The colour photo was taken approximately 60 years later.

Inscriptions & markings

Photo 1 - In Brickwork above the door: PUBLIC LIBRARY
Photo 2 - Above door: MIDDLETONS CARPETS