In   Politics and Personalities 

The Victorian Free Library Movement 1912-1946.   

 Don Barker   

Will discuss the individuals and groups involved in working for reform of Victorian public library services and the impediments to achieving that reform. He will also tell us about legislation of 1946 that introduced free libraries to Victoria.   

Don is a retired librarian and an active member of Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria in the role of newsletter editor. He has written a number of articles on the history of libraries and mechanics’ institutes. His doctoral thesis, completed in 2006 was titled From mechanics’ institutes to free libraries: Some aspects of public policy, community culture and library provision in Victoria, 1839-1946.   

Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, Sturt Street, Ballarat 

 July 30   5.30 – 6.30pm – refreshments at 5.00pm