Lane Cove Library Celebrates 70!

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Over 100 community members, Councillors and staff celebrated Lane Cove Library’s 70th birthday on 11 February 2025! Joined by the New South Wales State Librarian, Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon, the celebrations included a film made by the passionate library staff, addresses from Mayor Merri Southwood, Dr Caroline Butler-Bowden, birthday cake, launch of new Library cards, and the unveiling of new art to commemorate this milestone occasion.

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In her speech, Dr Butler-Bowdon marvelled that Lane Cove’s achievement of highest loans in the state per capita was testament to the rigour and commitment of the staff, and the enthusiasm of the local community to learn:

“We visited Lane Cove Library on a Tuesday morning, and the place was humming. There was baby bounce and I’ve never seen so many prams parked up and down the Australian History section. People were reading newspapers, the children’s area at the other end was alive, students were deep in assignments, librarians assisting so many people with their enquiries, and people coming and going with their borrowed items. There was warmth, there was friendliness, an oasis for community, and an anchor of the community. A place where reading for knowledge and reading for pleasure is greatly valued. And of course, libraries more generally are about finding out where we all fit in the world; we read, we learn to understand our place and libraries are here to provide information – but not to tell you what to think.”

Carla Gottgens created a wonderfully vibrant multilayered cardboard artwork, showcasing the library and its central place in the fabric of the Lane Cove community. The artwork will be on display in the foyer of the library all year.

Also on display currently at the library is an art exhibition by artist Mark Gowing.

Lane Cove Library is celebrating 70 in style, with so many new programs coming to life for the community this year.

These include:

  • LEGO Library Club
  • Virtual book reviews
  • AI Cats
  • Lane Cove Seed Library

And more to be announced soon!

 

 

  

 

 

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