1874–1980: School of Arts Library
The first School of Arts reading room opened on November 16,1874 in the Mackay City Council Chambers on Sydney Street.
A new School of Arts building was built in 1879 on Wood Street and opened on January 1, 1880.
From 1912, the School of Arts operated from the corner of Gregory and Wood Streets.
The final meeting of the Mackay School of Arts was held on May 6, 1980.
1980: Mackay City Library
Mackay City Library opened on March 17, 1980 in Gordon Street.
The official opening took place on June 28, 1980, led by Mayor Sir Albert F. Abbott.
1994: Mackay City Council Library Service
In April 1994, Mackay City Council and Pioneer Shire Council merged.
This brought both library services together under one council.
Before the merger, Pioneer Shire operated three services:
- Walkerston Library – Opened in October 1977 in Dutton Street. It later moved across the road, where it still operates today.
- North Mackay Library – Opened in 1978 in a small office block, later expanding into nearby offices. This branch closed in 2000.
- Mobile Library Service – Began in 1982.
- Gordon White Library opened in March 2000.
The building honours Gordon White, former Mayor of Mackay City Council and Chairman of Pioneer Shire.
2008: Mackay Regional Council Libraries
In March 2008, Mackay City, Mirani, and Sarina Shire Councils joined to form Mackay Regional Council.
Today, Mackay Regional Council Libraries include branches at:
- Mackay City
- Gordon White Library (Mount Pleasant)
- Walkerston
- Sarina
- Mirani
- Mobile Library
Each branch offers a wide range of services, resources, and activities for people of all ages and interests.
Libraries Opening Dates
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Library Branch
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Opening Date
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Mirani Library
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November 28, 1970
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Walkerston Library
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October 24, 1977
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Mackay City Library
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June 28, 1980
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Mobile Library
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November 29, 1982
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Sarina Library
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September 29, 1984
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Gordon White Library
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March 16, 2000
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Dudley Denny City Library
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December 17, 2016
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