Back to search results »

Back to search page »

Berwick Mechanics' Institute & Free Library

Location 15 High Street,BERWICK, Casey City Level Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/3] 620_2.jpg [2/3] 620_3.jpg [3/3] 620_4.jpg

Statement of Significance

The Berwick Mechanics' Institute and Free Library is remarkable as a free local library still operating after more than a century. This building has high local significance both as an institution and as one of a small number of nineteenth century facades remaining in the Berwick High Street precinct, giving the area its distinctive character. First opened in 1862 it was the earliest Mechanics' Institute established in the Berwick district. The building has been an important element in the High Street streetscape since 1878, when it was moved from an earlier Peel Street site. Extended in 1982 to improve its library functions, the institution is notable as a provider of free library services within the Berwick district (one of its original functions), for more than a century.