Community turns a page with opening of new library
The opening of Tamborine Mountain's refurbished library has marked the beginning of its new chapter as a dynamic community hub with a range of facilities catering for all ages and interests.
The project, that has seen an almost trebling in size of the former library space, has been funded with more than $2.14 million from the Australian and Queensland governments through the Local Economic Recovery (LER) Program to support areas impacted by the 2019 Queensland bushfires.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the library's move into its new location on the site of the former IGA supermarket within the shopping centre on Main Street was symbolic of the region's journey since 2016 and the Black Summer bushfires.
"We have come a long way since 2016 when the need for a new library was first identified, and this new, modern space will be a focal point for the Tamborine Mountain community for decades to come," he said.
"Council's vision for the library was for a vibrant hub that not only held a wider range of books and electronic resources but also offered more meeting rooms, quiet study spaces, areas for children and young people, improved technology hubs with free internet and a place for the community to gather.
"Today's libraries are much more than collections of books and resources - as social and educational centres they contribute to individual and community wellbeing and have become hubs around which community life revolves."
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) said the revitalised and expanded library is a real showcase of what the LER Program is all about.
“Through the Local Economic Recovery Program we’ve invested in projects that support social and economic recovery, and strengthen community resilience,” Major General Ellwood said.
“Tamborine Mountain's refurbished library is a significant achievement in the community’s recovery from the devastating 2019 bushfires.
“Libraries have a truly special place in communities as places of learning, connection and discovery.
“This refurbishment project is a wonderful outcome for the local community, delivering a facility that will continue bringing people together for many years to come.”
Community consultation completed in 2021 helped to shape planning for the new library following Council's purchase of the former shopping centre site, with key features of the new space identified through a 'have your say' process.
Architects also worked with Council's library and customer service staff to ensure the design met the needs of those working in the space.
The new library includes:
- an expanded collection of books and resources
- dedicated areas for children and young people
- meeting rooms and study areas
- an expanded customer service area
- a dedicated space for the Friends of the Library group
- a new makers' space
- new furnishings including seating for casual gatherings, and
- a wheelchair accessible toilet and baby change room.
In addition, Council has funded construction of an outdoor area, providing a gathering space for the community that will accommodate school holiday and group activities.
Council’s Community, Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Michael Enright described the library's expansion as a landmark project that reflected the growth of the local community and its need for a larger and more modern space.
"Council is extremely grateful for the funding assistance that has enabled us to deliver this fabulous facility for our community," he said.
"We also thank locals and the business community for their patience during construction and we are pleased by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received from library users following its opening."
Assistance for this project has been provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.