Toodyay Public Library

Statement of Significance

Toodyay Public Library has historic value as a principal public building with a long association with the development of Toodyay, its cultural and administrative institutions and prominent citizens. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape. It provides opportunity for the understanding of previous building practices and materials. The place has social value as it demonstrates a 19th century way of life and has a continuity of public use.

Physical Description

Single storey structure with double height parapeted entrance. The brick construction is rendered and painted and has a corrugated iron roof which forms a gable at the front. The gable is concealed behind the large semi-circular rendered parapet. The original hall building had adzed scissor trusses and a shingle roof. The 1886 extensions comprised a wing each side of the front creating a symmetrical facade. They were of brick rendered construction with a corrugated iron roof with a low level undecorated horizontal parapet. Rendered facade with face brick side elevations. Timber framed sash windows and panelled doors with fanlights. Decorative string course and door moulding to main section. Brick extensions to rear.

History

The Mechanics Institutes established in rural towns and villages were a means of providing instruction for tradesmen, many of whom had not received an education as children and were established in Perth and Fremantle as early as 1851.
The Newcastle Mechanics Institute was formed at the inaugural meeting in July 1866 in which Rev Harper was elected president. A building committee was formed and land for the Institute Hall was donated by Charles Monger. Subscriptions were sought throughout the town and a donor list was displayed in the town, ladies raised funds at bazaars and during the show and Races and by April 1867 the bricks had been made but there was insufficient funds to pay for the labour. In 1871 during a tea meeting at the Freemasons Hotel organised by Innes, Young men's Reading Club with James Drummond chairing the meeting was formed. It was said to be the biggest social event ever held in Toodyay. the club later amalgamated with the Mechanics Institute and the club's library was installed in the hall.
W.G. Leeder was active in the Mechanics' Institute and instrumental in the extensions which took place in 1886, adding two reading rooms. The library was expanded and renovated in 2010.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate
Authenticity: Moderate

Condition

Excellent

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.