Almost 20 years to the day since it opened on 24 September 2004, Singleton Public Library’s Queen Street headquarters has been modernised and restyled with all-new furniture.
Four truckloads of new tables, chairs, armchairs and children’s furniture was delivered earlier this month, as part of a $190,613 NSW Government Public Library Infrastructure Grant that will also cover replacement of collection signage, electrical work to include power in study desks, and replacement of external Library signage.
Vicki Brereton, Council’s Director Organisation and Community Capacity, said it was the perfect gift to celebrate two decades since the library moved into custom-designed premises and transformed the customer experience beyond books and knowledge to technology, toys, children’s programs, author visits, and even cake tins.
“The Queen Street Library has become a community hub for a whole raft of activities and events with gallery space in the foyer, meeting and education rooms, local history and of course, welcoming spaces to read, study and relax,” Vicki said.
“The Library building has proven to stand the test of time since it was designed and has had a new external colour scheme and lighting upgrades, but there’s been little attention for the tables, chairs and furniture that have been put to good use over 20 years.
“It’s amazing to see the space completely transformed with a new, modern makeover that meets the needs of people coming to the Library, including children’s furniture for families discovering the joy of books, people who need a place to plug in laptops and iPads, and of course, people looking for somewhere cosy to leaf through a magazine or get lost in a book.
“We saw the benefits of our digital library during COVID and people can still enjoy the Library’s resources without having to visit. But we hope to see even more people of all ages coming in to enjoy our Library for all different reasons, including connecting with each other in a space that’s even more comfortable and inviting.”
Community members are encouraged to join in on the celebrations that this month. On Thursday 26 September at 6pm, attendees can join food personality, author, and speaker Julie Goodwin as she shares tales from her illustrious career.
It will be a family fun day on Saturday 12 October at 10am to 2pm with a free family birthday fair with jumping castles, a petting zoo, face painting, magic shows, story time sessions, a photo booth, car display and a birthday cake. There will also be a free sausage sizzle from 12pm – 2pm.
IMAGE | Singleton Public Library staff Karen Miller, Kylie Tatt, Karen Inall and Tully Boundy-Collis.
