In 1950, Narrabri became one of the initial members along with neighbouring councils to form the Namoi Regional Library Service – which was about keeping costs low, sharing resources and ensuring country communities could enjoy the same access to learning as those in the city.
In a statement released by Narrabri Shire Council: By 1952, the library had 434 members – around 11 per cent of Narrabri’s population at the time.
Today, Narrabri Shire Libraries are so much more – free Wi-Fi, computers, meeting spaces, workshops, activities and of course, thousands of books for all ages.
In 1992, it became the Central Northern Libraries and in 2004 it became as we know it today, the Central Northern Regional Library (CNRL).
The celebratory cake.
In her celebratory speech, CNRL manager Kay Delahunt, mentioned that it had been 75 years of continuous co-operation between councils in the region, which has allowed the freedom for:
• Library service more cost effective through economies of scale and lower overheads.
• Employ specialist staff and share that expertise throughout the region
• Allows access to a much larger collection and the opportunity to refresh the shelves and also to reserve from anywhere in the region.
• Provides great information technology opportunities.
To celebrate the milestone, Mayor Darrell Tiemens read a book to the kindergarten class of the Narrabri Public School.
Max Pringle, wrote a poem in honour of the celebration and read it to the audience.
It was all followed by a cake cutting and morning tea.
Margaret Trindall, Helen Gillham and Janelle Van Bommel.
Max Pringle and Kay Delahunt
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