The Yandoit Mechanics’ Institute is returning to its roots, but with a more inclusive bent: “Mechanics’ Institutes are educational establishments, originally formed to provide adult education, particularly in technical subjects, to working men”. “The Mechanics’ Institutes were used as ‘libraries’ for the adult working class, and provided them with an alternative pastime to gambling and drinking in pubs” (Wikipedia).
The Book Exchange has grown like Topsy – too many books, amazing range! Get down there and take some (and contribute others)!
Outside Yandoit Hall, open all hours, no membership cards to lose, no fines, no grumpy librarians saying “Shhh”, and no obligation to return the books!
The Book exchange consists of a couple of cupboards and an unexpected number of boxes outside the Hall which folks can access at any time. And I promise you there is an eclectic mix of stuff, reflecting our community.
If you want a book to read, just go down the Yandoit Hall and get one!
“In Australia, the first Mechanics’ Institute was established in Hobart in 1827, followed by the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts[4] in 1833, Newcastle School of Arts in 1835, then the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute established in 1839 (renamed The Melbourne Athenaeum in 1873). From the 1850s, Mechanics’ Institutes quickly spread throughout Victoria wherever a hall, library or school was needed. Over 1200 Mechanics’ Institutes were built in Victoria but just over 500 remain today, and only six still operate their lending library services.” (Wikipedia)
…well make that seven!
