The Mount Gambier Public Library is located within the Civic Centre on Watson Terrace, in the heart of Mount Gambier.

With more than 20,000 registered borrowers, the Public Library is also host to many of the visitors who pass through the Limestone Coast region each year.

In July 1862, the visiting Reverend Pitt Cobbett suggested the need for a literary institute in
Mount Gambier.

'The Mount Gambier Literary Institute' was formed and officially opened on the 4th September 1862, and consisted of 420 books, and a total of 70 subscribers. In 1868, the Institute transferred its Library to a new building on Commercial Street (now known as the Riddoch Art Gallery), which was an advancement from its humble beginnings at the home of Mr John McDonald.

In the 1960's, it was suggested that the town also needed a Public Library, and one was eventually opened on Penola Road, where it remained in existance until the development of the Civic Centre on Watson Terrace.

The Civic Centre was officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Charles, on 23rd April 1981, and on Wednesday the 3rd of June, the current Mount Gambier Public Library was opened to the community. A total book stock of 32,000 items were transferred from Penola Road to the new Civic Centre Library in 1981.

The Mount Gambier Literary Institute eventually closed its doors after the opening of the Civic Centre Library, donating many of their local history items to be stored in a restricted collection at the Mount Gambier Public Library.


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To find out what's new at the Mount Gambier Public Library, click on one of the links below.

New Titles

Under 5's Story-telling and Craft Activities

Library Link Newsletter