This small free street library is dedicated to the memory of Lawrence Aloysius and Mary Frances Dooley.
Lawrence and Mary became part of the community spirit in each of the country towns they worked. They were prominent in sporting clubs and took on key positions in the town. The Melbourne Argus newspaper reported that Lawrence Aloysius Dooley was elected Secretary of Nhill Free Library in 1936.
The free library movement in the 1930’s allowed free access to the written word for all people without the need of a paid subscription. The movement provided inspiration for the establishment of library legislation which led to the growth of the public library network throughout Australia.
This tiny library is to honour them: Lawrence Aloysius Dooley 18 October 1900 – 10 August 1953 and Mary Frances Dooley (nee Bruce) 16 January 1908 – 7 December 1971
