A brief history of Balwyn Library
The Balwyn Library, situated at 336 Whitehorse Road, was opened in February 1978. It stands on the site of "Ingliston" the family home and surgery of Dr E.M.H. Inglis (1891-1955), Balwyn's first doctor. Dr Inglis lived and practised medicine at this address from 1919-1955. His wife continued to live at this address until 1969. In the early 1970s the property was purchased by Camberwell City Council for the purpose of building the Balwyn Library.
Balwyn library was officially opened by the Mayor of Camberwell, Councillor John Jackson on Friday 17 February 1978 and opened to the public on Monday 20 February 1978.
It was built to serve the residents to the north of Camberwell who relied on the Bookmobile service.
The architect was Daryl Jackson of Daryl Jackson Evan Walker Architects Pty Ltd who is now one of Australia's leading architects. The project architect was Bryan Miller and the builder was McDougall Ireland Pty Ltd. The cost was approximately $750,000 (including furnishings!).
At the time of its opening the Balwyn Library was staffed by Carmel Higgins as Branch Manager, four librarians and seven library assistants. Ruth Cameron was the Regional librarian.
