ABOUT THE LIBRARY 

Library History

The Gascoyne Library was founded in 1887, and first housed in the Jubilee Hall on Francis Street, Carnarvon. The building was also the host of Carnarvon Municipal Council meetings from 1891.

At the 15 September meeting 1952, the Library Board of WA invited Carnarvon Municipal Council to nominate to become a public library.  It was on this date that the Council resolved to put forward an application.

The Jubilee Hall ceased to function as a Council Chambers on 4 September 1965 and as a library in 1973 when the new Gascoyne Library opened on Stuart Street.

The new Carnarvon District Library was officially opened on 21 March 1973 by Mrs. Elizabeth Gooch of Manberry Station, Carnarvon, when she unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.  The library was later named the George Gooch Memorial Library.

In 1985, the Library Board resolved that Carnarvon District Library should be recognized as an isolated library of strength; as such, on 1 September 1989, Council resolved to accept the Library Board’s offer to provide Regional Library Services to the Gascoyne Area, supporting the Shires of Exmouth, Upper Gascoyne and Shark Bay.

In March 2011, the State Government’s Royalties for Regions’ program, as part of the Gascoyne Revitalisation Plan, committed funding towards creating a library and arts centre for the Gascoyne Region.

The new Carnarvon Library & Art Gallery opened on 25th October 2013 to provide regional library services and resources throughout the Gascoyne.

The $5.6 million upgrade, refurbishment and conversion of the old squash courts building in Carnarvon into the Library and Art Gallery was made possible with $4.64 million of Royalties for Regions funding and funding support from the Shire of Carnarvon.

The building is now an educational, social and cultural hub for residents and visitors alike and incorporates dedicated areas for children and adults, a community lounge space, a meeting room and a public computer zone. The inclusion of a co-located art gallery also creates excellent opportunities to host touring exhibitions, support local regional artists and for tourism and cultural development.

Volunteering

Would you like to help support our programs and services? Join the Friends of Library & Art Gallery!

You can volunteer with our Home Library Service, Children's programs, Local History research, and more.

See library staff for details.

Your Library & Art Gallery Team

Coming from an array of backgrounds with varying work experience, the library and art gallery team brings great enthusiasm and passion for delivering excellent customer service and in meeting the needs of our community, patrons and visitors. 

We look forward to welcoming you soon!