Description

Eltham Library was made possible by a Federal Government grant in 1992, with the building officially opening on Sunday 22 May 1994.

The building makes extensive use of low maintenance natural materials and aims to achieve low energy consumption through maximising natural light and the use of such passive energy measures as mud brick walls and verandahs. Features include clay brick base and well protected mud brick walls; radially sawn stringy bark external cladding, decking and balustrading; Victorian Ash ceiling linings; recycled hardwood verandah posts, window and door frames; copper cladding, guttering and downpipes; raw steel posts and beams and blue steel automatic doors and partitioning.

A $1.25 million upgrade in 2011 included a new children’s room with outdoor children’s garden which is the site of a Dreaming mural by Simone Thomson, installed in 2021. In 2013, Eltham Library was the first library in Victoria to get an automated book returns system. 

The Community Gallery has hosted countless exhibitions over the decades and the library displays pieces from Nillumbik Shire’s own collection. The library has also played host to many visiting authors over the years, demonstrating its literary connections to the local community. 

What's On

Experience the library where this year's episode of Modern Melbourne, featuring architect Gregory Burgess, was filmed!

On Saturday join for a panel discussion featuring architect Gregory Burgess, Yarra Plenty Regional Library's local and family history librarian Liz Pidgeon, local writer Ale Prunotto and local visual artist Siri Hayes, each with personal connections to the space.

Over the course of the hour-long panel, our guests will share their stories of how the library has supported their creative practice and career development. These conversations will also acknowledge the great heritage and cultural significance of our library, and libraries in general, as they provide integral services for their community.

This panel will be in addition to the already comprehensive suite of programming that Eltham Library and Yarra Plenty Regional Library provide to the public.

Visit the free exhibition Generations of Nature by Monika Maddock, Kia Maddock and Lilian Thorpe, presented by Nillumbik Shire Council. This exhibition presents a multi-generational exploration of women’s creative connection to the environment.

A booking fee waiver for this program is made possible thanks to Yarra Plenty Regional Library.