By Alesha Capone
The Little River Mechanics’ Institute has been educating and entertaining the community for more than 110 years.
Constructed in 1910, the institute is managed by a committee of volunteers and is used for social activities and events.
A library, which opened at the Institute in 1911, features about 3000 books that cover a wide variety of topics including Victorian history.
Little River Mechanics’ Institute volunteer librarian Lynne Morse said she believed it was the smallest public-lending library in the state.
Secretary Les Sanderson said the Little River library was one of just 10 left operating at the state’s 562 Mechanics’ Institute branches.
“It’s the only mechanics’ institute library still in its original location, with the original shelving,” Mr Sanderson said.
The Local Government Minister Shaun Leane last week announced a $12,000 grant for the Little River Mechanics’ Institute, for restoration work on its heritage book collection and to install audio-visual and theatrical lighting facilities.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said he was delighted the Little River Mechanics’ Institute was continuing to serve the community after more than a century.
Ms Morse said the funding would help to repair some of the library’s books, which date from the 1920s.
“I think the funding is adding scope to the hall and hopefully we can hold some fantastic events for the city,” she said.
Mr Sanderson said he hoped the institute could host shows and talks for children and movie nights in the future.
The library has something of a colourful history, as demonstrated by its committee meeting’s minutes.
The minutes show that in 1913, the committee banned a book titled The woman thou gavest me, because the plot featured a married woman who committing adultery.
The committee actually burned a copy of the book.
However volunteer librarian, Peter Jones, has since tracked down a copy of the book to re-add to the library’s shelves.
Details: littlerivermechanicshall.weebly.com/
