$2.4 million for library refurb

VISITORS to the Ballarat Library will be able to utilise a further six-hundred-plus square metres of public space after an upcoming refurbishment.

With the City of Ballarat allocating $1.9 million in capital works budget over two years, and a $500,000 investment from the State government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure program, the Doveton Street learning hub will expand upstairs with more integrated learning areas.

The main entrance to the library will also be moved to face the future GovHub plaza and Civic Hall, meaning easier access from the carpark.

City of Ballarat executive manager of learning and community hubs, Jenny Fink said the library is currently “really cramped,” so the expansion brings an ability for all ages to spread throughout the site while they work.

“There’ll be more collaborative learning spaces upstairs and we’ll take all of our technology up there so there’ll be more of a dedicated space rather than it being mixed in with the rest of the collection,” she said.

“There’ll also be a dedicated youth space, rather than there just be a group of shelves and some chairs. It will expand our children’s space dramatically, so it means we can accommodate up to 100 people at a Story Time, including prams and things.

“We actually can follow some of our dreams a little bit more on this becoming a true community space where people can find their own niche, and area to peruse and explore,” Ms Fink said.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said libraries are safe spaces, important for building communities.

“I spent a lot of time here between 2009 and 2012 with my little girls, every Tuesday morning religiously being here for Rhyme Time,” she said.

“I’ve made some amazing friendships with the other parents who came every week. All of the memories I have of this library are really positive ones.

“This is a beautiful library that is maintained and supported by the City of Ballarat and now we’re coming to put half-a-million dollars in to make it an even better space for young people, children, and people who don’t have the IT access that they need in this modern world.”

Ms Addison said an increase in availability of books and collections will grow library traffic.

“We know from Know Your Council data that we’ve got more people coming to the Ballarat Library than ever before. Libraries makes so much sense environmentally and community wise,” she said.