The institute is Taree's oldest library, established in 1864.

Brian joined the committee in 1973, became trustee of the institute also in 1973 and president in 1996.

He was always willing to help with any problem that arose and if he couldn't make it in person, the phone was always the next best thing.

His input will be missed as he has been involved for such a long time - 46 years.

As he is still a trustee Brian will still be involved with the institute.

The new president is Mrs Carol Emerton who rejoined the institute this year.

The institute had another successful year. Donations were made to the Taree and District Eisteddfod Society $3300; Taree Artists $250; breast cancer research $545.93; schools $375; and book launch/workshop $600.

Three books were launched in the library in the past year - Slow Clothing, which included a workshop, Australia's First VC by Alan Leek and The One by Kaneana May. Morning tea was served by library staff on these three occasions.

The library had 103 new members join this year. Current membership is 2165.

There were 525 booked purchased this year - 335 fiction, nine non-fiction, 164 large prints and 17 junior.

The DVD section remains popular and new DVDs are purchased regularly.

The library had a staff change with Ms Nadia Kramer replacing Mrs Robyn Lacey who resigned to care for her ill husband. Mr Crisp thanked the library staff for all the work they did for the members and for the institute.

The institute staff is librarian Mrs Kylie Attard, Ms Nadia Kramer and Mrs Lindy Booth. Volunteers when needed are Mrs Carol Emerton and Mrs Suzanne Booth.

Office bearers are: president Carol Emerton; vice president Bob Crossman; secretary Suzanne Booth; treasurer and librarian Kylie Attard; committee members Mrs Sandra Saad, Mrs Helen Mitchell, Miss Samantha Everett, Keith Gibbs, Dave Rush, Peter Smith and Dave Embury.

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