The $2.2 million expansion of the Parkes Library commenced officially on Monday morning with a sod turning ceremony, and shortly after the temporary library was opened in the main street.
The Library Expansion Project will enlarge the 18-year-old building by 455m² to include a gallery and intergenerational makerspace, meeting rooms, quiet study areas, additional room for children’s programs, places to connect with technology and ‘green areas’.
At the opening of the temporary library at Shop 2/250 Clarinda Street, Mayor Ken Keith OAM said 15 years ago libraries were considered dinosaurs that were on their way out. “Today they have become a real cultural hub of any community.”
Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones reiterated this point saying “as a main provider of lifelong learning and cultural endeavours, it’s essential that our library facility is able to meet the needs of our growing community.”
More than 33,000 books, DVD’s, CD’s and other items had to be moved to the library’s temporary location in the main street over the past month.
“Thank you to our members and visitors for your patience and understanding during the closure period,” Kerryn said.
She said the new location provided them with a great opportunity to take advantage of the CBD foot traffic, to further promote the range of services, programs and events.