The long awaited Gerringong Library and Museum complex (GLaM) in Blackwood Street has been formally opened, ahead of its opening to the public on 1 December.

Fittingly, Mayor Mark Honey used scissors provided by the Gerringong & District Historical Society, last used in 1927 to open the Dairy Coop, to do the ribbon cutting.

Fiona Phillips MP, Helen McDermott and Mayor Honey in the new museum

"This building combines two of my great passions - the acknowledgement of place and history, and my love of learning," said Mayor Honey.

"I am really looking forward to future generations being able to embrace those two things here."

The School of Arts has been restored to house the Museum and the new building at the rear houses the Library. Apart from more than 3,000 new books, comfortable reading nooks and study spaces, it has multipurpose rooms for library activities as well as community events, meetings and workshops. It also boasts free Wi-Fi, computers, printers and multimedia facilities.

The light and airy Library, with water and mountain views, has been designed as a community hub

"It is just fabulous to see this beautiful new facility that not only preserves history but creates a beautiful new community space for people," said the Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips.

"It is a wonderful new legacy for the community."

The Mayor praised the determination and passion of the members of the Gerringong & Historical Society, led by Helen McDermott, to create the Museum, and the work of the Director Environmental Services, Jessica Rippon, and the Library Manager, Michelle Hudson, and their teams was acknowledged.

Preparing the Museum's exhibits has been a labour of love for Gerringong & District Historical Society members

"138 years ago the people of the area built a little hall and it has has had many lives since then," said Helen McDermott.

"With this work, it is looking great and we hope it is going to serve the community for another hundred years.

"Our curator Sandra McEwan and the museum design consultant Penny Hardy are leaders in their fields, and it will take repeat visits to absorb all the learnings and stories that are gathered there.

"Our members and all our volunteers are outstanding citizens of Gerringong who have given so generously over a long time, and who are committed to making a future which learns from its past."

The project was first envisaged back in 2006, but it wasn't until 2016 that it received Federal Government funding of $1.25 million that allowed it to proceed. Subsequently, the State Government provided a grant of $250,000 to fitout the library.

Once open the library’s operating hours will be:

9.30am-5pm: Tue-Fri

9.30am-1pm: Sat