Marking 60 years of Cambridge Library with McLean Park fun day

Published on 10 November 2025

More than 250 residents came together at McLean Park on Sunday, 9 November 2025 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cambridge Library.

The Library’s anniversary marquee was the centrepiece of the event, attracting strong interest throughout the afternoon. The pop-up display showcased key moments from the Library’s history, alongside children’s activities that kept families engaged. Staff also spoke with attendees about the Library’s evolution and its role in the community over the past six decades.

Cambridge Library began in 1964 with a community petition for local access to books. Floreat Park Library opened in 1965 and quickly became one of Perth’s busiest branch libraries, recording millions of loans and expanding several times. By the mid-1990s it held a diverse collection, served thousands of members and offered a computerised catalogue.

The original building closed in 2002, replaced by the new $6 million Cambridge Library, which opened debt-free and attracted strong community interest. Since then, the service has continued to grow through expanded collections, local studies work and leadership across the 2000s–2020s.

Today, Cambridge Library holds more than 42,000 physical items, over 20,000 e-resources and supports more than 11,000 active members as it marks 60 years of service.

Live music from Sounds of Woodstock added to the atmosphere, with many attendees commenting on the quality of the performance and how well it complemented the relaxed setting. Additional children’s activities and space to enjoy the early summer weather rounded out the event.

The Town thanks everyone who joined the celebration and helped mark this significant milestone for Cambridge Library.

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Photos: Stephen Heath