A Library for Parramatta Town Hall | Parramatta History and Heritage

Parramatta’s First Library (Source: City of Parramatta Library)

Parramatta’s first free library was officially opened by His Worship the Mayor, Alderman D. J Mahoney on Saturday 29 November 1958 in front of a crowd of 100 people at Jubilee Hall No.2 at Parramatta Town Hall.

Proposal to open the free public library in Parramatta was submitted to Library Board of NSW on 3rd June 1957.

City of Parramatta Meeting Minutes: 3rd June 1957.

City of Parramatta Heritage Archives: PRS21/028.

In the meeting minutes on 5th May 1958, it is mentioned that City of Parramatta have received applications for the positions of Librarian-in-charge, Senior Library Assistant, Junior Library Assistant and Typist for the proposed public library. Applications were referred to Library board for reconsideration.

City of Parramatta Meeting Minutes: 5th May 1958.

City of Parramatta Heritage Archives: PRS21/028.

Miss Margaret Miller was appointed as Librarian-in-charge at a salary of 1500 pounds per annum. Mrs Bickley was appointed as Senior Library Assistant at a salary of 850 pounds per annum and Miss A Foster was appointed as Junior Library Assistant at a salary of 500 pounds per annum.

City of Parramatta Meeting Minutes: 19th May 1958.

City of Parramatta Heritage Archives: PRS21/028.

On 17th June 1958, Margaret Miller, Librarian-in-charge and Annette Foster, Junior Library Assistant commenced their duties in preparation of proposed library opening in September/October, 1958.

City of Parramatta Meeting Minutes: 17th June 1958.

City of Parramatta Heritage Archives: PRS21/028.

The date for official opening of the library is fixed for Saturday, 29th November 1958.

City of Parramatta Meeting Minutes: 7th October 1958.

City of Parramatta Heritage Archives: PRS21/028.

Official opening invitation of the Council’s Free Public Library.

Neera Sahni, Research Services Leader, Parramatta Heritage Centre, City of Parramatta, 2022

References:

City of Parramatta Heritage Archives.

Annette Forster

Thank you for this web page, I am the "A. Foster" referred to, so thought I'd better correct the official correspondence. My name is Annette Forster, and it's very common mistake to misspell it!
Miss Miller and I did start on the same day, and Joyce Bickley later on. Marjorie Ball was our typist. I remained in awe of Miss Miller's intelligence and knowledge, as did other members of staff.

Margaret Hamilton AM (nee Watson)

This is fascinating. I was a junior library assistant and was appointed sometime before the official opening. I was part of and witnessed the incredible growth of the library, with a brand new building and many branch libraries. I rose to the position of Children’s librarian and left the library in 1972.