Skip to main content

Old Buninyong Library

One of Buninyong's architectural gems, though not its grandest building, the delightful Old Library currently houses the Buninyong Information Centre in the former Reading Room, while the other side holds a small shop. Visitors are welcome to browse through the beautifully restored old building: the Information Centre is normally open 11am-2pm every day (depending on volunteer availability).

The Story of the Old Library

A rare survivor of early weatherboard buildings in Buninyong, the building has a fascinating history. It is architecturally interesting with its classical facade and is on the State Heritage Register but we are lucky it still exists.

Donated to the Buninyong community by Robert Allan in 1861, it operated as a Free Library for many years then gradually fell into disuse and disrepair and was threatened with demolition. Thankfully, it was saved from total dereliction by a major restoration effort in the 1990's and it is now well used and widely recognised as one of Buninyong's historical gems.

A Brief History of the Old Library

The building was constructed circa 1859 as a gift to the local townspeople from industrialist and philanthropist Robert Allan, who owned the 5-acre block and lived in the house "Eyre Cottage". The building was to be used as a library and Mechanics Institute with a small residence and shop on the northern end of the building.

The unique feature of the timber building is the elaborate facade detailed to simulate the appearance of stonework.

After the First World War (1914-18) and Buninyong's population decline, the library ceased to operate and David Kerr, the remaining proprietor, offered the building to the Cemetery Trust.

The title was transferred in 1927. The building was then occupied intermittently as a residence and craft shop however it gradually fell into decay.

After some debate about its value versus the costs of restoring the structure, a small group recognised the importance of retaining the historic building and, thankfully, steps were taken to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Timeline

  • 1980

    The building is listed on the Victorian Heritage Registry.

  • 1984

    An Historic Buildings grant of $10,000 was obtained to stabilize the Reading Room floor and replace rotten floor boards. This proved to be a temporary measure.

  • 1986

    The Cemetery Trust contacted the Shire of Buninyong Council to seek assistance in the preservation of the building. Council agreed and allocated $300 towards a consultant's plan for the preservation of the building.

  • 1987

    Council instructed its solicitors to create a non-profit making body to operate the old Library Building. The body so formed was the Buninyong Joint Library Trust Inc. which has an executive of 3 representatives of the Cemetery Trust and 3 elected Buninyong residents

  • 1987

    Major repairs were carried out by the community over several years to restore the heritage building

  • 1991

    The restored building reopened with much fanfare

  • 2004

    The Library Trust entered into a relationship with the Ballarat Council to run Visitor Services in the Reading Room

  • 2014

    Whole building repainted

  • Current

    The Buninyong Joint Library Trust Inc. continues to run the Buninyong Information Centre in the Reading Room, assisted by an annual contribution from the City of Ballarat to help with running costs. The shop next door is occupied by the Buninyong Gift House

This information on the history of the Old Buninyong Library was supplied by Derick Leather, former Buninyong Shire Councillor and member of the & Buninyong and District Historical Society.

A fuller history of the Old Library is available in the Buninyong Visitor Inormation Centre.

Buninyong Old Library Grants

The Heritage-listed Old Library building is a much-loved survivor from Buninyong's earliest days but it requires regular maintenance to keep the picturesque wooden structure sound and protect it from the weather.

Many thanks to the Buninyong Community Bank and the Buninyong-Mt Helen Lions Club for the grants they have made to the Buninyong Library Trust to assist with the costs of the ongoing maintenance of this iconic building.

Photo: Former Bank Manager Stewart McKee presents members of the Library Trust with a gigantic cheque