North Sydney Heritage Centre, Stanton Library

North Sydney Heritage Centre, Stanton Library

• Stanton Library, North Sydney

• Community

The Stanton Library was named after James Street Stanton who was Mayor of North Sydney 1937-1939 and a keen supporter of the Free Library Movement (FLM).

The FLM began in response to a 1934 report that criticised the paucity of libraries in NSW. A branch was established shortly after in North Sydney. In 1938 Alderman Stanton advocated the levying of a special tax to subsidise the creation of council libraries in all suburbs. The provision of State subsidies for municipal or shire libraries was subsequently part of the 1939 Library Act. Stanton died in August 1943 and three months later North Sydney Council voted to create a library upon the cessation of the war. In 1945 it was decided to open the ‘Stanton Memorial Library’, as part of a new civic centre development.

There were delays in implementing the 1939 Library Act generally and delays locally in acquiring land to accommodate Stanton Memorial Library. The Stanton Library opened its doors on 8 February 1964.

The local history collection was established in 1974.

In 1987 the management of Don Bank and Sexton's Cottage Museums and the historic St Thomas' Rest Park undertaken by Local History staff. Also Merle Coppell began interviewing local residents. These and other recordings later become the Merle Coppell Oral History Collection.

In 1992, the North Sydney Council's historic archives were accessioned and made available to the public.

In 2004, the Heritage databases available on-line and in 2005 the North Sydney Heritage Centre was opened on the first floor of the library. In 2011 the Costume and object database was made available on-line.

In 2015, the historic archives were consolidated at one site.

Officer in charge: Manager of Historical Services

The collection includes records produced by North Sydney Municipal Council.

The collection includes, for example:

• records produced by North Sydney Municipal Council
• local studies collection, including comprehensively researched vertical files, picture collections, books, maps, plans, reports, videos and family history databases
• community collection, including record collections from public institutions, private companies and individuals associated with North Sydney
• oral history collection
• costumes and objects.
  For further information, see https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/heritage-centre/heritage-centre-collections

For links to the Heritage Centre's digital collections online - see https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/heritage-centre

North Sydney Heritage Centre: Staff are available to assist Monday to Friday, 1-5pm or by appointment.
Stanton Library: Monday to Thursday, 9am-8pm; Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm.

Fees and charges apply to research enquiries lodged with library staff in person, by mail, email or telephone. Members of the public conducting their own research who request some assistance from desk staff will not be charged. For further information, see https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/heritage-centre/visiting-heritage-centre

Revised 11 April 2024

• Arts and Culture (Thematic area)
• Built Environment (Thematic area)
• Family / Domestic Life (Thematic area)
• Genealogical (Thematic area)
• Industry, Manufacturing and Commerce (Thematic area)
• Local Studies (Thematic area)
• Politics and Government (Thematic area)
• Social Organisations and Activities (Thematic area)