Stephanie Alexander on Libraries

‘My interest in a career in libraries commenced when I was about thirteen.

My father, Winston Burchett, worked very hard with the initial committee to establish the first ratepayer-funded public libraries in Victoria.

One of the first was the Peninsula Regional Library. In its early days there was not enough council funds to open the library on a Saturday night. My father decided that he would man the library at this time for no cost and invited me to help.

I loved handling the shiny new books, and stamping the pages when someone came to borrow a book.

Several years later I decided to train as a librarian and worked in a number of different libraries before forsaking library work for hospitality’.

Stephanie Alexander is a cook, restaurateur, food writer and champion of the quality & diversity of Australian food.

Ted Baillieu on Boroondara Libraries

The Leader of the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition and Liberal Member for Hawthorn, Ted Baillieu had this to say about libraries:

"A good library is the heart of a good society.

"Libraries, in all their contemporary forms, nurture knowledge, exploration and dreams.

"The better the library, the better the future.

"Public libraries put everyone within reach of their goals.

"I am proud that my own family has long supported Victoria's libraries."



Ted Baillieu is the Leader of the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition and Liberal Member for Hawthorn.

Phillip Adams on Boroondara Libraries

Phillip Adams (AO) has fond memories of Boroondara Libraries. Here is what he had to say as part of our sesquicentenary celebrations.

"My formal education was exceedingly brief and seemed to compound my ignorance.

But the local library?

The East Kew sub branch of the Kew Municipal Library?

That's where I really learned. That's where the world was revealed. That's where I learnt the power and magic of books. I owe that little local library everything and continue to regard the public library service as one of Australia's greatest achievements.

So happy 150th to Boroondara!"

Phillip Adams is a broadcaster, social commentator, film producer, writer and satirist.

Happy Birthday Kew Library

Today we celebrated 150 years since the first public library opened in Kew.

There were balloons.

Unfortunately there were balloon casualties

There was another superb cake

The Library Manager made a presentation to the first new member of the day.

There were some balloon escape attempts

There was memorabilia on display

And staff member old and new.

Happy Birthday Hawthorn Library

It was 150 years ago today....


That the first public library opened in Hawthorn.

So of course we had to have a birthday party.



There was birthday cake





And balloons








And more balloons











There was memorabilia on display








The Library Manager cut the cake










Happy Sesquicentenary to us.

Who is in the photo?

Many people have been asking who is in the photo on the front of the five favourite books nomination form.

The woman featured in the photograph on the front of the nomination form is Mrs Carbines who was appointed as the Hawthorn Library Manager during WW2, when it was decided that she'd be "okay" until a man was available to take over.

Not only was Mrs Carbines "okay", she was an innovative forward thinker and luckily for Boroondara she stayed in the position for over 10 years and helped develop the library service into what it is today.

Five favourite books

To kick off our 150 celebrations we are asking you to nominate your five favourite books.

Pick up a form at the libary or click here to nominate your five favourite books online.