Bathurst Old School of Arts Library Collection
Bathurst Old School of Arts Library Collection is a heritage-listed former lending library and reference library and now rare books collection at Bathurst City Library, 70-78 Keppel Street, Bathurst, Bathurst Region, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1855 to 1950 by Various authors and publishers. It is also known as School of Arts book collection. It is now owned by the Bathurst City Library. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 October 2004. History The Bathurst School of Arts In 1855 the Bathurst School of Arts and Mechanics Institute was established, offering the beginnings of scientific and technical education in Bathurst. A grant of land to the School of Arts resulted in premises being built by 1861 on the corner of Howick and William Streets on land adjoining the Church of England's All Saints Cathedral. It was a two-storey building designed by local architect, M.H. Sadlier. A long-desired public hall was completed in 1874, helping boost the membership to 324 people. During the 1870s the School of Arts received an annual grant from the Government on the understanding that "the institution should tend to the intellectual advancement of the people". Early accounts