Lawrence Athenaeum & Mining Institute Timeline
1865: 20th June. Established as the Tuapeka Athenaeum and Mining Institute for the betterment of miners.
1868: Occupied the newly built premises on Irvine Street. Before this meetings were held in a hotel room on Peel Street. The library was in a leased hotel room.
1872: Changed its name to Lawrence Athenaeum and Mining Institute.
1872: Provincial Act No:367 Ordinance incorporates the Institute
1872: Provincial Act No:368 Ordinance to provide management of Institutes reserves.
1876: Local Act no:22 to vest a certain reserve in the Institute and to provide for leasing of said reserve.
1877: Local Act No:19 to vest land in the institute for the purpose of the Institute.
1931: Membership at a low and a concerted effort to boost membership.
1946: The Athenaeum becomes part of the Country Library Service.
1949: Membership reported to be growing and the Athenaeum is still a prominent component in local recreation.
1950: The Athenaeum moves into its new premises at 9 Ross Place.
1965: The Athenaeum celebrates its centennial…100 years of community service.
1989: Existence threatened by local government amalgamation, but the Athenaeum still survives.
2004: A new committee subleases part of the library building to Lindy Chinnery Handwoven Designs. This allows the library to continue alongside the new Librarian’s own business.
2005: The Athenaeum becomes focused on being a historical reference library purchasing and housing local history books and documents.
2015: The Lawrence Athenaeum and Mining Institute marks 150 years of service to the Tuapeka/Lawrence community.