The library redevelopment works were completed in mid-December 2014 and were nominated in the Capital Project Under $1m category along with five other Victorian councils’ projects.
The Library re-design was completed by Minx Architecture who worked closely with a Project Board and library staff to re-design and refresh the interior of the library. The work was completed by local builders Crow Constructions Pty Ltd and other local contractors worked on different aspects of the building.
The redesign of the 1988 established building has transformed the interior of the library providing a 45 per cent increase in floor space and greater flexibility and capacity for delivering services and programs. It caters for those with accessibility needs, young people, the elderly and those from diverse cultural backgrounds by the inclusion of baby change facilities, accessible toilets, specific use areas for children, teens and study areas along with a Skype booth, community meeting room, genealogy room and a new IT area with free use of computers.
The works also included new carpet, fresh paint, new furniture and cabinet work along with a modern, curved circulation desk featuring panels that will have designs relevant to the local community. The entrance area has lockers for people to secure their bags. A community room with audio visual facilities and after-hours access has proven popular.
A new outdoor deck area with shade sails accommodates workshops or storytelling and has a large expanse of blank wall that will be transformed by art in the future. Some external works were also completed.
The library works were funded from a grant of $433,000 from the Victorian Government’s Regional Development Living Libraries program and $217,000 from Council.
Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community Kaye Thomson said the finalist award was acknowledgement of the excellent work that was done on the Library. “The redevelopment has totally transformed the interior of the library. “We have gone from a tired, out-dated facility to one that is open, bright and functional and that caters for all the different users of the service,” she said.
“We are very pleased with the result and to visit the library and see people relaxing, reading books, meeting friends or using the free WiFi on their tablets is fantastic.”
GVRL CEO Kevin Preece said “The Shepparton Library provides a hub for the community to use. Libraries are not just about books; the community can come here and use the free WiFi or Skype their family or friends, or they can use the computers.”
“The community room is a real asset for the residents of Shepparton who can book it for meetings. There are areas set aside for children and for those who want to research their local or family history,” said Mr Preece. “We would like to encourage anyone who hasn’t visited a library in while to drop in and see what we can offer.”
The Shepparton Library branch is located in Marungi Street and there is all day parking across the road.
