The library building, located on Grant Street has reached its 20 year milestone after it was opened in early 2000.

An article from the Port Macquarie Express from the opening said the first community members to enter the building were Geoff and Mary Blatherwick.

After their inspection at the time, they described it as marvellous and a credit to the then Hastings Council.

"The old library was so dark compared to this," Mr Blatherwick said.

The library was described as huge, airy and open by Mr Blatherwick.

Before the current library was built, the old building was located near where the Glasshouse is currently situated.

It was two floors and the children's section was located upstairs, which meant prams had to be manually transported from the lower floor up the stairs. There was no elevator.

Mr Maguire said since it was established, the library has become so much more than a place where people could come and borrow books.

Mr Maguire has been library manager since 2007 but has been a librarian in Port Macquarie for 25 years.

He said the introduction of technology has caused the library to adapt and become more innovative.

When internet was first introduced, many people thought it would mean the death of libraries.

The library in Port Macquarie was the first place in town to have the internet available to people.

"We had an internet kiosk and the internet was super slow," he said.

"It was very exciting for the time."

Mr Maguire said libraries used to be a place where people sought out an answer to a question, however the rise of the internet has changed that.

Internet and technology has enabled the library to expand into providing many different tools for people to utilise.

For example the library has an online catalogue of e-books and audiobooks available to be borrowed. It also has an established portal, where virtual reality technology can be explored, as well as a recording studio.

The library also has over 100 established book clubs, hosts author talks and other events.

A variety of items are available to borrow, including ukuleles, seeds and exercise equipment.

"We've had to keep changing to meet demand and create demand," Mr Maguire said.

Mr Maguire said a librarian in 2000 requires people skills first and foremost.

He estimated 90 per cent of the feedback the library receives is really positive.

The library has made efforts to address some complaints in relation to noise, by making quiet spaces available where people can study.

The future is continuing to look bright for the library and a new van is set to service the growing wider community of the Port Macquarie-Hastings.

At the moment the library van transports books to eight rural schools in the area.

From July, a new library van is expected to be in place and is set to service more areas in the region.

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