Time to say goodbye

DESPITE wet and windy conditions, Heathcote residents braved the cold to attend a farewell afternoon tea at the library last week.

The former library will be redeveloped as part of the Heathcote Hub Redevelopment and will be temporarily housed from 9 September in the Mechanics Institute-Senior Citizens Hall in the interim.

Goldfields Libraries coordinator community based services Elise Wright said she was pleased so many people were able to attend the event.

“It’s been wonderful hearing the community’s stories at our farewell afternoon tea – from those who remember when Heathcote was visited by the mobile library, to others who’ve been coming here since our permanent service opened,” she said.

“Despite the wet weather, so many of our regulars came along to share their memories, and we’re especially grateful to the Heathcote Night CWA for providing the delicious treats.

“The redevelopment will ensure our library continues to grow with the community, giving us more space for children’s programs, an expanded tech hub, and flexible workspaces for study, online meetings and telehealth.

“We’re excited to begin the next chapter for Heathcote Library at our temporary home in the Mechanics Institute–Senior Citizens Hall.”

Hours will be a little different – Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am to 12.30pm, Thursday 9.30am to 5pm, and Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm.

“All of our essential services will still be available, including public PCs, printing, and our much-loved Baby Rhyme Time and Storytime sessions, along with all our regular programs,” Ms Wright said.

“We’re grateful to the hall user groups for accommodating us, and we’re looking forward to building on these community partnerships during our time here.”

Sandra Kirby said she was sad to say goodbye to the old library but is looking forward to the redevelopment.

“This old building is full of memories,” she said. “But I am sure the new one will be bright and cheerful.”

Bev Sharpe said she is determined to be positive.

“I’m optimistic,” she said. “The library staff are all positive about the future, so I am following their lead.

“They are all great people and always very helpful.”

Attendees signed a memory sheet to commemorate the library closing.

Library service officer Ange Graystone welcomed everyone to the event.

“I’ve been working here for seven and a half years,” she said. “It has been an adventure, and I have met so many wonderful people.

“There are so many fantastic memories from Storytime sessions and special events to seeing regulars drop by to check out books.

“It has been wonderful to celebrate, and we are all looking forward to continuing in both our temporary premises and the redevelopment.”