As Eltham Library looked forward to its 20th birthday in May 2014, the community were asked to contribute their stories and memories about the library:
Staff and borrowers contributed the following:
This year the Eltham Library became a temporary refuge centre during the Warrandyte fires. It was Sunday and nothing else was open so many people evacuated to the library – including two ladies and their cats in baskets. Lots of families spent the afternoon happily reading or using the computers. They were very grateful for our constant supply of cold water. When we announced that the Refuge Centre was finally open no one left until we closed at 5 pm.
Possums love our library – one Saturday morning a very large possum was found by staff trapped between the returns bin and the computer wiring. We called for council help to remove one very angry marsupial.
There was a small one found in the children’s area one morning – reading ‘Possum Magic’ perhaps?
I am blessed to have wonderful memories of Eltham Library with my own children and now my grand children. We have all enjoyed story time and the craft sessions over a period of 25 years. Amanda is a real treasure and brings books and the joy of reading to our little ones. She has not changed over this period. Always happy and smiling. Thank you Eltham library and a wonderful staff for over a quarter of a century of special times.
Elizabeth Doyle
When asked “Have you read any good books lately?”. I always answer “yes”. After hearing or reading a book review, Eltham library will frequently buy my request. Thus I keep up with the latest and best that the library literary market offers, and I find this reading life enhancing. The beautiful library is stuffed with friendly helpful and competent people and the building itself exudes a welcoming atmosphere. Eltham library is Eltham’s best asset.
