This new building was constructed in 2011 to house the original, and unadulterated collection of the Narracan Mechanics’ Institute library books. Although removed from their original site in the Narracan Mechanics’ Institute hall (on site at Old Gippstown), this collection of over 2,300 library books still has some original shelves (all the ones on the back wall including their original labels). The collection was started in the 1880s and has books from the 1840s-1960s. In 1971 the collection of over 2,300 books, which had been gathering dust in the library in the ante-room on the northern side of the Narracan Mechanics’ Institute Hall, was donated to Old Gippstown. These books can be viewed or accessed on our catalogue database, by appointment. The Melbourne Public Library Travelling Book Box (on the table) is the only known one of its kind and contains over forty original books. There is also a small collection of books from the Thorpdale South Mechanics’ Institute Library housed in this building.