Next chapter for more agile libraries

Armidale Library will be more versatile to host activities and services, thanks to modifications being made to the front of the library building from this week.

Café services are set to be introduced to the library and there will be greater opportunity for open air activities, by creating more connectivity between the inside and outside of the building.

Removable bollards will be installed this week, while a section of window will be replaced with folding doors about a week later.

“It will allow the front of the library to be opened up for activities with an outdoor element,” Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.

Cr Murray said it would also enable the library to accommodate coffee vans, as a flexible and novel way to introduce café services to the building.

It is proposed to initially have a coffee van at the library for key events and at specific times when demand for food and drink is likely to be high.

The frequency of coffee van services would be expanded, in line with demand.

Expressions of interest will soon be called for coffee van operators interested in providing services at the library.

The building modifications, to incorporate café services and outdoor activity spaces, are a key initiative in Council’s 21st Century Library Strategy.

The strategy aims to make the Armidale region’s libraries more vibrant hubs where people can learn, join in group activities or just meet friends.

It includes measures to make the Guyra and Armidale library spaces more versatile to accommodate different groups and activities.

Library team members conducted extensive community engagement last year to help develop the strategy, including public workshops , a youth survey and a general survey for the wider community.

Funding for the Armidale Library building modification was provided by the Federal Government's Drought Communities Program. 

Published on 05 Feb 2020