April 29, 2016
The Yarraman Library is about to get a makeover, and will close its doors on May 5 before re-opening with a new look and feel.
Toowoomba Regional Council’s Library and Cultural Services portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia said the renovations would take the heritage values of the building into consideration.
“The plan is to retain the heritage values of the building while creating a modern library on the inside,” Cr Ramia said.
“We are trying to make the building as flexible as possible to accommodate for any future need the community may have for the space. For example, the shelving will be on wheels so that the space can be opened up if needed.”
As part of the upgrade, an accessible parking space will be built to complement the existing accessibility ramp, and a public toilet will be created inside the building.
“There will be a reading lounge area with free wi-fi, and the interior will be modernised with tables for lap-tops,” Cr Ramia said.
“New carpets will be added and the building will be painted inside and out.”
Cr Ramia said the changing needs of the community would be reflected in the design of the building, and the remodelling will allow the new library to be converted into a disaster co-ordination centre for the town, if needed.
The library will close on May 5 with staff moving all the stock and furniture out before builders take possession of the site on May 9.
The Council hope the conversion will be carried out in six weeks, but can’t be certain until builders begin the renovation work.
“When you are dealing with older buildings you never know what you will uncover,” Cr Ramia said.
The Council has arranged for its mobile library to visit Yarraman every Monday between noon and 4:00pm from May 9 while work is carried out. It will park outside the library.
Borrowers will be able to return library items any day of the week to an external returns bin during the closure.
Council’s Community Liaison Officer Bronwyn Holland will be available to meet with community members during the construction work, and can be contacted on 13-18-72.
Office space will become available for Mrs Holland to meet with community groups once the library re-opens.
