Toormina Library celebrates its 25th birthday

On 21 April 2023, Toormina Library celebrated its first 25 years of operation. Library branches have always been important for community outreach, and the concept for a new branch at Toormina arose when the Coffs HarbourĀ  Shire disconnected itself from the Clarence Regional Library service to set up its own library network.

Library likely for Toormina, Coffs Coast Advocate, 25 March 1987, p.1

Full steam ahead for Toormina library, Coffs Harbour Advocate, 29 September 1994, p.2

In a curious coincidence, the Council had previously purchased the timber house at 41 Gordon Street, the final home of Shire President Harry Bailey, in anticipation of setting up a new central library there but chose to extend southwards instead.

Council approve library building, Coffs Harbour Advocate, 29 June 1995, p.8

Ten years later, the branch library was moved from the Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre into its own building on Minorie Drive.

Library making a move, Coffs Harbour Advocate, 18 March 1998, p.1

These newspaper articles which tell the story of Toormina Library are available on microfilm at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library .

One of Toormina library’s earliest patrons attended the 25th birthday celebrations.