It's hard to believe but Newcastle's iconic War Memorial Cultural Centre turns 60 this month. Most people probably know the building on Laman Street, perched above the Civic Park fountain and directly opposite City Hall, as the home to Newcastle Region Library's City branch.
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But it is much more than that. In 1953, before construction began, a magazine article promised the building would be “from top to bottom, devoted to culture”.
Its use has changed over the years but that description is still spot-on. Today the centre hosts the Lovett Gallery, the city's Local History Library and the newly refurbished Newcastle City library branch.
The library reopened last week after a $1.36million overhaul that included a total revamp of its floor-space.
Visitors can now use electronic shelves that automatically detect when borrowed books are returned and a first-floor digital makerspace harnessing cutting edge technology like 3D printing.
I urge everyone to get to the library to check out its wonderful new features, and to help celebrate the War Memorial Cultural Centre's 60th birthday.
Events planned for the 27-28 October celebration weekend include a 50s themed street party on Laman Street, a Saturday night dinner where the library's new interior will be transformed into a fine dining venue and a public tour of the building covering sections rarely open to the public.
Nuatali Nelmes
Lord Mayor
