Hervey Bay Libraries
Hervey Bay Library began operating in three rooms upstairs in the Council Chambers in Bideford Street, Torquay on 6th July 1978, moved to shops in Truro Street a year later, relocated to Main Street Pialba in 1985, then to its present location in 1997. The Library went from a 'tin shed' to a modern purpose-built building, now sharing its space with an Art Gallery and a University Library, as well as enjoying partnerships with the Hervey Bay Family History Association and Bay Connect. There are also library branches at Howard and Burrum Heads.
The Local History Collection, complemented by the Family History Collection, and supported by a Photographic Collection, is a growing part of Hervey Bay Library’s service to clients, which ensures the preservation of the history of the local community. The collections are located at the Hervey Bay Library and include:
- Maryborough–Hervey Bay Chronicle on microfilm from 1860 onwards
- Local district and school histories
- Family histories
- Material on local indigenous history
- Genealogical research materials such as Queensland births, deaths and marriages and Post Office Directories
- Pamphlets, newspaper file, maps
- Local and Queensland Government publications
- Photographs
Hervey Bay Library’s history is young compared with its closest neighbour, Maryborough, and its photographic collection is comparatively small, but developing. During 2006, the Heritage Outreach Project, initiated by the State Library of Queensland, provided the impetus to begin to digitise the heritage photographs and documentation held in Council, the museums, the library, and private collections in the community. The images are representative of life within the Hervey Bay local government area, since its settlement in the 1860s, capturing historic floods, interesting people, industries, transport, buildings, changing scenery and customs.
Opening hours of the main library:
Monday & Wednesday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday & Thursday 9am – 7pm
Friday & Saturday 9am – 4pm
Contact details:
The Library Manager
Hervey Bay Libraries
P.O. Box 5045
Torquay QLD 4655
p: (07) 4197 4229
f: (07) 4124 3459
e: loc@herveybay.qld.gov.au
w: calliope.herveybay.qld.gov.au/webopac
Last updated: 15th January 2008
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