The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.
Legislation passed by the New South Wales Government on 2 November 1939 that aimed to encourage local governments to establish free public libraries for their citizens, including financial subsidies. Full proclamation of the Act was delayed until January 1944 due to World War II. The Library Board overseeing the establishment and running of the libraries was constituted in February, and public libraries were rapidly established around the state by councils adopting the Act.