THROUGH changes in technology and gnarly storms, the Wodonga library has survived the test of time to celebrate its 100th year.
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The community gathered at the building on Hovell Street on Friday to mark the milestone.
It began as the Henry Beardmore Library on March 8, 1916 in High Street, at the site which is now Middleton's Carpets, before moving to Hovell Street in 1982.
The building was originally named after the Shire president. An anonymous speech was recited to the crowd, the same one which had been read out that day 100 years ago.
“I cannot emphasise enough the value of this library to the town and district,” the speech read.
“As councillor Beardmore has said, ‘it is a monument and asset which should return a profit, not in pounds and shillings and pence, but in the development and furnishing of the minds and lives of our young people especially'.”
Those at the anniversary celebration agreed the sentiment rang just as true today.
The Wodonga Library has 11,000 members and 35,000 items including books, DVDs, newspapers, magazines and history collections.
Friends of Wodonga Library member Ruth Green said its diversity captured the interest of everyone from young people, to mothers and toddlers.
“It's vital to have a library like this to keep in touch and up-to-date,” she said.
“The use of computers has been one of the dramatic changes.
“A highlight for me has been the family history section, where I've been able to help people with their family trees.”
It was not Wodonga's first library, having been predated by the Literary Institute and an Athenaeum Mechanics Institute.
Speaking to the community, Wodonga Councillor Rodney Wangman said the community rallied behind the new library when it was built.
People raised money through billiards competitions, dances and markets to maintain the establishment.
A special mention was made of Peter Middleton for his work in preserving the original foundation stone, which still sits outside the building at 78 High Street.
“I took over the shop in 1986 … the building was in bad nick, there wasn't much left of it,” he said.
“A lot of work went into it.
“It adds to the history of Wodonga, it's something unique in itself.”
