Northcote Library in Separation Street

In October 1981, The City of Northcote declares it will build a new library for Northcote. The existing High Street Library and St Georges Road library were considered too small. Councillors were confident it would be, ‘the most modern library to Northcote.’ The City of Northcote purchased three properties to make way for the new building. The decision was not finalised for two years as the Council considered renovating the High Street Carnegie building. In April 1983, the former plant nursery Separation Street site was agreed on. It was budgeted as $1.5 million in the 1980s currency. The architect Mr Bryan Miller, from Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd, said the plan was drawn up, ‘to make the library look like a house,’ so people could be comfortable using the facilities. 

Northcote Library opened at 32-38 Separation Street on July 15, 1985. It was formerly opened by Frank Wilkes MP on July 18. Manager Sophie Athan described the library to be from the “21st Century” stating it would set trends for library services in Victoria and Australia. The library opened with up-to-date computer equipment for catalogues and information, a video information loop, a theatre and an external courtyard and amphitheatre. The library was entered into the 1986 national Awards for Innovation in Local Government. It has since undergone several renovations.

In 1994 Northcote Library Service merged with Preston Library Service to form Darebin Libraries. It has four branches, Northcote, Preston, Reservoir and Fairfield.

  City's ‘futuristic’ library to set the pace. (1985, July 24). Northcote Leader, p. 3.   It's a $1.5M library. (1983, April 6). Northcote Leader, p. 3.   Library branch closed. (1986, July 9). Northcote Leader, p. 5.    Library building entered in innovation awards. (1986, June 18). Northcote Leader, p. 3.   Library complex is on the way. (1981, December 16). Northcote Leader, p. 5.    Library drawing puzzle councillor. (1983, October 5). Northcote Leader, p. 3.   Northcote to build new $1M library. (1981, October 7). Northcote Leader, p. 1.    Nursery site for library. (1981, November 4). Northcote Leader, p. 3.   Shopfront library plan attacked. (1980, March 26). Northcote Leader, p. 9.   Shopfront library proposed. (1980, March 5). Northcote Leader, p. 7.   Sophie takes library move sitting down. (1985, July 3). Northcote Leader, p.1. 

Image of the site for Northcote Library on Separation Street. [LHRN1570]

The site for Northcote Library on Separation Street. [LHRN1570]

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Image of Northcote library customer service desk

Northcote library customer service desk

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Image of Northcote library customer service desk and computers

Northcote library customer service desk and computers

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Image of Northcote library study space

Northcote library study space

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Image of Northcote library with book sale display

Northcote library with book sale display

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Image of Northcote Library with compact discs

Northcote Library with compact discs

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Image of Northcote library with display table

Northcote library with display table

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Image of Northcote library with view of the courtyard

Northcote library with view of the courtyard

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Image of Northcote Library in 1995

Northcote Library in 1995

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Image of Northcote library with round customer service desk before refurbishment

Northcote library with round customer service desk before refurbishment

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