Unique IDAG-0081Alternative nameLibrary BranchDescriptionThe Sydney Corporation Amendment Act 1908 gave Council the statutory powers to establish and maintain within its boundaries free reading and lending libraries. Under this Act Council took over control of the Lending Branch of the Public Library of NSW, established in the Queen Victoria Markets Building.
The Library provided a free lending service to ratepayers, residents, and those employed within the City boundaries, and to suburban residents on payment of a small subscription.
The first librarian appointed was Charles H Bertie on 1 October 1909. Bertie was previously Chief Clerk in the City Surveyor's Department. He remained City Librarian until 1939.
When the Council was replaced by Commissioners in 1928, they decided on a policy of reducing the number of departments in Council. As a part of this scheme, the Sydney Municipal Library became a branch of CA 40, Town Clerk's Department. Bertie maintained his title of City Librarian.
The Library remained a branch of the Town Clerk's Department until 1960 when it was separated to form the Libraries Department.CreationSydney Corporation Amendment Act, 1908
Resolution of Council 6 March 1909AbolitionResolution of Council 6 March 1929
Start date28th September 1909End date6th March 1929Relationship legacy dataRELATED TO: Sydney City Council OR-0001 (28/09/1908 to 06/03/1929)
RELATED TO: Community services and facilities FN-0013 (28/09/1908 to 06/03/1929) Source System ID81
![Bookbinder [Sydney Municipal Library]](/img/placeholder.gif?1724289045 "Bookbinder [Sydney Municipal Library]")