|
Marvellously modern Belmont Library to reopen Monday
Friday, 12 March 2010
4:55 PM
Media Releases
The Belmont Library will reopen its doors on Monday 15 March after major improvements.
The refurbishment works have transformed the High Street building into a modern library with 18 internet computers (including two Apple Macs with creative suite software), an easy-to-navigate and diversified collection with more DVDs and talking books and 20 per cent extra public space.
Other new features include a community meeting space, a youth zone with multi-media collection and a landscaped outdoor reading courtyard.
Kardinia Ward Councillor Bruce Harwood said the library reopening has been much anticipated by Belmont residents.
“It will be great to have the doors open again at Belmont Library. After seeing the finished product today I can say it’s not only looking good but it has everything you would expect from a modern library.”
“We’ve got lots more internet access with 18 terminals and areas to suit different age groups such as the dedicated youth zone and children’s area.”
“The landscaped outdoor reading courtyard is a first for our local libraries and will no doubt be popular.”
Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Barbara Abley said library users around the region are noticing where the City of Greater Geelong’s increased funding to libraries is being spent.
“The City’s 30 per cent boost to funding over the past two years means more computers, extended opening hours, new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to provide the option of self check in and out and a range of multimedia technology for public use”, said Cr Abley.
Chair of the Board of Geelong Regional Library Corporation Rod Macdonald congratulated the City on its ongoing commitment to libraries.
“On behalf of the Board I’m delighted that the City has increased its ongoing investment in our local libraries”, said Cr Macdonald.
“Libraries are vital to the social and economic development of our community. They help people access and use information and technology, are a meeting space as well as a comfortable place to read and learn”.
“The modern library is so much more than book lending”, said Cr Rod Macdonald. “Drop in and be surprised.”
Belmont Library will open Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm and Saturdays 9am – 5pm.
Preschool story time will be held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30am and is free to all pre-school aged children and their families.
Computers are free to use and can be booked in one hour blocks.
The Belmont Library redevelopment has been jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong ($400,000) and the State Government (Living Libraries grant $422,000).
|