This is a modern well structured and invaluable record of just about everything in our district since even before European settlement.

There are old documents, providing a treasure trove of research material.

There are literally thousands of old photographs and increasingly a gifted collection of artefacts.

Now in another unique addition the library has received three perfectly preserved blazers of the style once issued for sporting achievement.

They represent teams that have long since passed into history and although more than 60 years old could have come off the rack just yesterday.

One embroidered pocket records the Group 10 Rugby League Blue Mountains reserve grade premiership for the Lithgow State Mine club in 1955.

State Mine morphed into the first Workmen’s Club side in 1957.

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Another records the successes of the once illustrious Lithgow Scots hockey club with A grade premierships in 1956, 57 and 58 before it too became Workmen’s Club in 1959 when the lure of sponsorship won out.

Archie Ryan, who later gained NSW State honours, is believed to be the only Scots member still residing in Lithgow.

And finally a true rarity, a blazer pocket recording the 1956 Western District Soccer Football successes of the Vale of Clwydd side in 1956.

That long departed side was quite unique in including six members of the talented Jenkins family in the one team.

History section curator Kaye Shirt said the blazers were donated (freshly dry cleaned) by the Lithgow Musical Society during a reorganisation of their costume department and will be highly valued in local history terms.