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Ararat Municipal Library

Location Cnr Barkly & Queen Streets,, ARARAT VIC 3377 - Property No B6711 File Number B6711 Level Local

Statement of Significance

Designed by Horace Tribe in 1957, the Ararat Municipal Library is of local historical and architectural significance. The Library is of interest for its association with the architect, Tribe, whose best work was completed during the inter-war period. Nevertheless, the Library's asymmetrical plan and bichrome brickwork and early use of aluminium is notable, as is the building's condition and integrity. The decorative textures are notable overlays to an essentially Functionalist building.
Historically, the Ararat Library is important for its association with the significant post-war trend to establish free municipal libraries throughout Victoria. This initiative, recommended by the influential Munn-Pitt report of 1935, and supported by organisations like the Free Library Movement, the newly formed Australian Institute of Librarians and the Library Service Board, saw a massive increase in government subsidies to municipal libraries in the decade following the Second World War.
Classified: 02/06/1997