Blacktown City Library Service turns 40!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The Blacktown City Library Service turns 40 in 2007 and to celebrate this milestone, the four libraries across Blacktown City are coordinating 'Blacktown City's Top 40'.
Local residents will be able to nominate their favourite book, song and movie of all time using the entry form in local newspapers or at each Library's Information Desk during August, with the results forming Blacktown City's TOP 40 list in books, songs and movies.
There are some major prizes up for grabs for residents who participate thanks to some generous sponsors, including; $200 Westpoint Blacktown voucher, two copies of 'Four Star Movies - The Greatest 101 Movies of All Time' from Angus and Robertson and 10 Hoyts double movies passes.
The Top 40 list will coincide with the Library Services 40th anniversary. The first public library in Blacktown opened in April, 1967 in the former Council Chambers in Flushcombe Road, Blacktown and proved to be a popular service with the Blacktown community from the very beginning.
By the end of 1967, Blacktown Library had enrolled over 22,000 members. After 8 years, the membership had levelled out to approximately 30,000 - the majority of these members being young people.
Some quick historical facts about the Blacktown Library:
- The Chief Librarian Miss M.B. Malthus, was appointed in 1966 and worked to acquire and organise the initial bookstock for the opening in 1967.
- Blacktown Library was the first public library in New South Wales that had a printed catalogue in book form rather than the more usual catalogue cabinet containing card files.
- Equipment such as cassettes and gramophones records were introduced to the Junior Section of the library in 1973. Filmstrip projectors were installed around the same period.
- Throughout 1974, Family Film Nights were held monthly, these nights proved popular, with 60 to 100 people attending each night. The nights offering one hours' free film entertainment.
Information: Blacktown Municipal Council Gazette, 1975
Residents are encouraged to pick up a Top 40 entry form from their local library branch at either Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Lalor Park or Riverstone and enter their favourite song, book or movies.
For further information on the TOP 40 list please contact Helen Macri on Helen.macri@blacktown.nsw.gov.au or call 9839 6600.
