Library History
1890
The School of Arts, founded in Hornsby in 1890, provides a subscription lending library service.
1905
Beecroft School of Arts, founded in 1905, provides lending library service.
1942
Beecroft Children's Free Library opens.
1943
The Boys and Girls Travelling Library which was a branch of the Surry Hills Children's Library and Craft Club opens in Dural Street, Hornsby.
1943
Hornsby Shire Council provides a vehicle, a 1926 Nash nick named Moaning Minnie. Library volunteers travel to isolated schools within the Hornsby and Baulkham Hills Shires.
1952
A Fargo panel van is donated to the travelling library and is used for the next twenty years to deliver books.
1961
Councillor Margaret Allen donates money to start a fund for the formation of a library service within the Hornsby Shire.
1962
The Beecroft Children's Free Library moves to its own building in Hannah Street, Beecroft.
1969
Council appoints Barry Price as its first Chief Librarian. He purchases books and hires staff to prepare and catalogue materials in preparation for the opening of the Hornsby Library Service.
1972
The first library officially opens on 29th April in Hornsby adjacent to the Council Chambers. The library was built on two levels with the reference collection located on level two and the lending collection on the ground floor. Initially the library had a staff of fourteen. Three thousand people register as members of the new library.
1973
Two small shops are acquired and the Galston and Pennant Hills Branch Libraries open as shop fronts.
1975
Epping Library opens 21st September. The opening hours are 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday to Friday.
1980
Berowra library opens.
1986
A small church in Galston is converted for use as a library and Galston library relocates in 1986.
1990
Hornsby Shire Council takes over the running of the Beecroft Children's Library.
1995
Hornsby Library moves to current George Street location and is officially opened on 27th July.
1999
Pennant Hills Library relocates to a 450 sq metre purpose built facility adjoining the Pennant Hills Community Centre. Beecroft Library closes.
2003
Epping Library enlarged and refurbished.
