A 42-seat meeting room in the new Gilgandra Library Hub has been named the Glenys Prout Room. 

Glenys Prout - who passed away in 2007 at just 57 - was much loved by her community, having been appointed Gilgandra Librarian in 1980 after spending her early career as a teacher.  

Ms Prout was known as an advocate of the Library and of reading and early literacy in general. She always worked to encourage children to read and enjoy learning, and is remembered for establishing the Library’s first Story Time program and toy collection. 

The $3 million new Library Hub is part of The Gilgandra Activation Blueprint.

According to Gilgandra Shire Council, “This commitment is about delivering community assets, enhancing and complementing existing services to further drive community and visitors to the CBD with a vibrant, attractive and socially connected space.” 

The hub in construction (Image: Gilgandra Shire Council)

The Council said it was fitting that the room be named after Ms Proust because she was successful in numerous grant applications over the years. These helped refurbish the Library in 1996 and purchase “much-needed equipment and resources to improve services”. 

Ms Prout was also an active member of the Country Public Libraries Association, which lobbies for country library services and enables sharing of information and skills across rural NSW libraries.

She was successful in bringing the Country Public Libraries Association annual conference, “Informing the Bush in the Future”, to Gilgandra in 1996. 

In 2005, Ms Prout was part of the first committee to establish Gilgandra Reads Everything Around Town (GREAT Day), a celebration of the importance of reading to children right from birth. 

The Library Hub is a major upgrade, and will be relocated from this its current building (Image: Gilgandra Shire Council)

Ms Prout was diagnosed with cancer in late 2006, and passed away on 23 July 2007.

“Glenys served our community as a Librarian for 27 years, bringing much innovation to the Library and greatly improving Gilgandra’s access to information and knowledge,” Gilgandra Mayor Rob Batten said.  

“She was known for her concern for others and her keen sense of humour and continues to be greatly missed.

"The naming of the meeting room in the new Library Hub, I believe, is a fitting recognition of of Ms Prout’s service and commitment to the Gilgandra community."