Sandringham Library celebrates 60th birthday

Sandringham Library celebrated a milestone today as it marked its 60th birthday.

Celebrations were marked with a gathering of current and former library staff spanning its 60 years in operation.

Sandringham Library opened on 5 June 1958 with 9,000 books on its shelves.

By 1958 it had become so popular that there were rarely any books on its shelves as they were loaned out as fast as they were returned.

Today, Sandringham Library has more than 31,000 books on its shelves as well as a wide range of digital books, online databases, magazines, DVDs, computers, audiobooks and ancestry information.

In 2014, Sandringham Library was named Australia’s Favourite Library in a poll run by the Australian Library and Information Association, receiving the largest number of votes from the 220,000 people who participated in the poll.

More than 3,500 people visit the Library every week and take part in a host of activities including storytime activities, book clubs, poetry groups, author talks, workshops, computer training and school holiday programs.

Bayside City Council Mayor Laurence Evans said it was a tremendous achievement.

“Sandringham library has played an important role in Bayside’s history and will continue to play a vital role in its future,” Cr Evans said.

“As technology develops, libraries will evolve but they will always be a pivotal part of the community.”

“Our library staff are passionate about fostering a love of reading in people of all ages and go out of their way to ensure all library visitors are looked after.”

The Mayor used the opportunity to discuss Council’s renovation plans for the library.

“We are about to undertake major renovations that will increase the floor space by 300 square metres, providing a larger area for people to study, read and take part in library programs.”

The library renovations are due to commence next year.