Library and Local History Centre
As well as being a general lending library, there is a collection of material on the local area: photographs, maps, documents, files on family history.
The Council operates an extremely comprehensive Branch Library and carries over 3,000 books at any one time. The Library also provides free computer and Internet services. It is advisable to make a booking if you wish to use this service.
The Walcha Library is part of the Central Northern Regional Libraries Network and has access to talking books and sound recordings, videos and large print books. These can be reserved and renewed online as well as in person at any CNRL Branch Library.
The Walcha History Centre is located in a room at the rear of the Library and is ideal for local historical research
The Walcha District Historical Society Inc.
The Walcha Historical Society is a not-for-profit organisation formed following a public meeting on the 6th April 1962 in that year, held in the Walcha Shire Offices. The Society is run by a dedicated group of volunteers whose aim is to preserve the history of not only Walcha itself, but also the surrounding districts.
The constitution of the Society requires it to record and preserve those artefacts of Historical interest relating to the town and district. Regular meetings are held to ensure the preservation of the buildings and exhibits under its care. Short trips and excursions are planned to educate and provide new ideas for our dedicated volunteers, and the presentation and preservation of our holdings at our two locations, the History Centre and the Pioneer Cottage Museum Complex.
The Walcha District Historical Society maintains a comprehensive History Centre in a room behind the Walcha Library at 42N Derby St, per kind favour of the Walcha Council. The History Centre houses extensive family records, histories, photographs, and a research library, covering Walcha’s history from the 1830s. The Centre is open during Library hours – Monday & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, from 8.30-5.00; or by arrangement with research volunteers. The fee for research is $25 an hour, plus extra for photos and photocopying.
The Pioneer Cottage and Museum Complex is located at 111N Derby Street, Walcha, opposite the Showground. There are 12 buildings on the site containing treasures from the past, from small household items to large farm machinery. There is ample parking and the grounds are level and easily accessible for all visitors. Visits by coach companies are welcome by arrangement.
The constitution the Society is affiliated with the Royal Australian Historical Society and the National Trust of Australia. The constitution also provides continuing preservation of the items entrusted to it, and in the unlikely event of the Society disbanding, the assets will revert to and become the property of the Walcha Council.
Walcha Library
42N Derby St
Walcha NSW 2354
(02) 6774 2550.
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday
8.30am – 5.00pm
(closed 1 – 2pm)
Closed Wednesday & Weekends
LOCATION
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Walcha region and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging – of the Dunghutti nation, and acknowledge the important role Indigenous Peoples continue to play within our community.