Contributed by Ron Gillinder
THE School of Arts Movement closely followed early Mechanics’ Institutes which were originally formed to provide adult education, particularly in technical subjects, to working men.
The world’s first Mechanics’ Institute was established in Edinburgh Scotland in October 1821, more than 200 years ago.
In Australia, Mechanics’ Institutes were first established in Hobart (1827) and Sydney (1833). The concept quickly spread. In the Glasshouse Mountains, by 1915 a small school had been opened and the little community had formed the Glasshouse Progress and Beautifying Association.
This Association set about to have a School of Arts built. School of Art halls were generally established early in the development of a township for the education of its members and the cultivation of literature, science and art for adults who may not otherwise have received much education as children.
Ultimately government approvals were received and finance secured and the building was opened in September 1916. The School of Arts quickly became the focus of social activity. For example: dances, fancy dress balls, debutant balls, weddings, funerals, celebrations, fund-raising for war efforts, classes, picture nights and a meeting place for local organisations.
One of the early objectives of the School of Arts committee was to establish a Library. Books were quickly donated by local benefactors and the Library was up and running in October 1916 with a catalogue of 110 books. Miss Alice Hare offered to be the Librarian.
By mid-1920s the Glasshouse School of Arts had gained affiliation with the Queensland School of Arts Association (Brisbane) and regular exchanges of books were arranged. Books were packaged in wooden boxes and transported up by rail. New books were continually being acquired and the Library thrived. Surplus books were donated to The Bush Book Club and the Forestry Pastime Club.
When the first Mobile Library service was introduced in November 1978, operated by the Sunshine Coast Regional Library Board, patronage of the School of Arts Library started to fall away.
The School of Arts Library operation ultimately closed.
For historical purposes a small collection of Library books are still held in the Glasshouse Community Hall. The books remain stored in their original wooden boxes (main image).
We do hope there are no overdue book fees still accumulating on these book ‘loans’.
(Thanks to the research by the late Bill Fullerton)