Semaphore Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Semaphore Library |
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Semaphore Town Hall, circa 1937
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| Location | 10-14 Semaphore Road Semaphore SA 5019 |
| Built | 1884 |
| Architect | Wright and Reed |
| Governing body | City of Port Adelaide Enfield |
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South Australian Heritage Register
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| Type | State Heritage Place |
| Designated | 1 September 1983 |
| Reference no. | 2984 |
The Semaphore Library is a special old building in Semaphore, South Australia. It has a long and interesting history! This building, located at 14 Semaphore Road, has been many things. It started as a learning center, then became a town hall, and even a cinema. Today, it's a popular library.
This historic building is listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. This means it's an important place that needs to be protected.
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The Semaphore Library's Amazing History
The Semaphore Library building has seen many changes over the years. It has always been a central part of the community. Let's explore its journey from a learning hub to a modern library.
From Institute to Town Hall
The building first opened on March 15, 1884. It was called the Semaphore Institute. This was a type of "mechanics institute." These places were built to help working people learn and grow. They often had libraries and reading rooms.
Architects Wright and Reed designed the building. Williams & Cleave built it using stone with an iron roof. Inside, it had a main hall with a stage. There was also an entrance room, a library, and a reading room. Upstairs, there were offices for the local government. This government was called the Corporate Town of Semaphore. There was also a gallery on the second floor.
In 1889, the local government bought the building. They started using it as the Semaphore Town Hall. This was where important town meetings happened. In 1900, the Semaphore government joined with the nearby Corporate Town of Port Adelaide. Even after this, the Port Adelaide council still rented out the hall for community events.
A Place for Movies
From 1910, the hall became a temporary cinema. Different groups would show movies there. But it was still used for other community events too.
In 1929, a company called Ozone Amusements leased the hall. They turned it into a permanent movie theater. Chris A. Smith designed the changes. He added cool Art Deco features. Smith was a famous architect who designed many cinemas.
Ozone Amusements later became Ozone Theatres. They grew into one of the biggest movie chains in South Australia. In 1951, another big movie company, Hoyts, bought Ozone. Hoyts updated the Semaphore cinema in 1952. It reopened on November 20.
However, fewer people went to the movies after television became popular. Hoyts closed the cinema on May 21, 1960.
Back to a Library
After the cinema closed, the building found new uses. From 1966 to 1978, the ground floor was home to the Semaphore Youth Club. This was a place for young people to gather.
In 1977, a smaller cinema opened upstairs. It was called the Semaphore Cinema. Alan and Fran Hall ran it in what used to be the dress circle of the old theater. This cinema operated until 1985.
The building was empty from 1985 to 1993. Then, the City of Port Adelaide decided to restore it. They turned it into the Semaphore Library. It has been a library ever since!
The building still looks much like it did in its cinema days. Its heritage listing notes that many parts of its cinema past are still there. This makes it a great example of suburban cinemas from a long time ago.
