Celebrating 50 Years of Local Library Services

50 years!

The community was divided back in 1972 when a modern library for Greensborough was first proposed.  “Many local residents believe the public soon will own a library no one will use”, announced the Diamond Valley News (21 March 1972).

The proposed location played a role in this division, but the Shire of Diamond Valley proceeded with their plans and opened a temporary library in the basement of the new Civic Centre.

Greensborough Library opened on 6 December 1973 with a staff of four and a collection of 1100 books. 

A series of linked spaces, each with a “study” or “den” like atmosphere, featured coffered style ceilings set between timbered beams and with warm black bean plywall panelling.

A corner window area adjacent to the entrance was created as a reading lounge area providing a view to southern views across the hills towards the city.

By May 1979, the library was the busiest branch in the Heidelberg Regional Service with about 60 new members being enrolled each week. Collections in Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish were added.

In 1993, an upgrade included an extension and refurbishment led to the library being described as one of the best public structures of its type in metropolitan Melbourne. Features included a new children’s area, a multi-purpose/community room, staff work areas, a new study area, along with a new entry canopy and external activity centre. A major and noticeable improvement was made to the abundance of natural light with the addition of glassed areas to the north and south which also took advantage of the views outside the building.

The Diamond Valley Toy Library community group was established in 1983 and has operated out of the library, since 1993 when the multi-purpose room was established.

Diamond Valley was the first library in Victoria to launch a Reading Dogs program, which promotes children’s literacy by having children read aloud to a dog.

In 2014 a community garden was unveiled to promote sustainable living.  The library has focused its programming on healthy eating, sustainability and gardening skills.  Local food swap events take place regularly and the library is a member of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and has a seed library.

The large central circulation desk which had greeted patrons for many years was removed, opening the space for displays and space to sit, chat, read or charge a device.

In 2021, a major redevelopment took place. The upgrade included a new glass roof, a parents’ room, fully accessible gender-neutral toilets, an extended children's area, flexible co-working spaces, with a tech area for young people, a community meeting room with kitchen facilities, refurbished quiet study area, an outdoor deck and new shelving and furniture.

Diamond Valley Library has seen a lot of changes over the years!

Nearby, once, a BMX track and later a proposed community hospital site, the development and growth of the Civic Centre, the expansion of urban development, relationships with Apollo Parkways Primary School and NMIT, a Civic Drive Masterplan, the redevelopment of the nearby sports stadium, Covid-19 testing stations as neighbours and more.

We are looking back 50 years to where it all began with anniversary celebrations taking place with a Family Day Celebration on Saturday 9 December with a day full of retro '70s themed events for the community. We are planning a range of events at various times throughout the day, including:

• Silent disco
• '70s face painting
• Petting zoo with lambs, piglets, ducks and other animals
• '70s themed craft activities
• Tie dye workshop
• Plus: a celebratory cake, live music, and 1970s trivia.
• Dress up if you want to take part in our Best Dressed Competition!

Come along and share your memories of the library. 

All welcome!