Decades ago, when the local community had no idea what the festival of lights was, Nirmala Bhajani, remembers hosting Diwali events for her members at the Belgrave library.

Bhajani who has worked with the library for over 30 years and is now retired says, “There was no awareness back then about our festivities nor did we have so many Asians. So we would hold special events to explain to the local community what it meant to us.” 

In the run up to Diwali day, Bhajani and her colleagues would decorate the library with bunting and dress up in ethnic clothes to welcome the members. They would approach the  local restaurants and receive generous donations of food. “What is a celebration without food? “ she says. 

Diwali storytelling events and song and dance sessions were held at the library and Bhajani chuckles while recalling a fond memory. “A Mexican tourist had to come to see the lights and walked into the library. He ended up dancing with us to Bollywood tunes, now where does that happen?” she says with a wide smile.

Over the years, the celebrations have grown in scale and size attracting visitors from all over the country. The library is now closed to the public on the day and instead serves as a base for the police and the ambulance services.

“Although the library is closed, it continues to play an important behind-the-scenes role to ensure that people are able to enjoy the event,” says Jit Dhanji, who is in charge of the library.