Kings Square library design coming to life

Construction is moving fast on the brand new Walyalup Civic Centre and Library in Kings Square, which is scheduled to be completed by December with fit-out and occupation to take place early next year.

The state-of-the-art library, designed by the internationally renowned Fremantle firm Kerry Hill Architects and built by WA construction company Pindan, will support the City of Fremantle’s contemporary approach to library service delivery.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said libraries today were not just about books on shelves, but rather how they provided a safe and welcoming space for communities to thrive in.

“Our library staff are so excited about the opportunities that will be available for the community in the new building,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“With double the floor space across various indoor and outdoor areas, it will be a lot easier for the team to expand their programming and plan community activities.  

“Inside the library building will be various bookable meeting spaces, a maker space, a dedicated children’s zone, high-focus study areas, casual reading lounges and an exhibition space.

“There will also be double the number of public computers and more access to power and data for personal charging and device usage.”

The library’s book collection is anticipated to grow significantly, and additional radio frequency identification (RFID) technology will be implemented to allow the borrowing and returning of items to be much more seamless and convenient.

Complementing the book collection will be an increased digital collection, offering members free access to more than 82,000 digital items comprising books, magazines, movies, music and audiobooks.

The uptake of digital services has been on the rise and was particularly noticeable through COVID-19 when usage increased dramatically, with magazines by 235 per cent, audiobooks by 20 per cent and films by 50 per cent.

Mayor Pettitt said a larger and better equipped Local History Centre would be another key component of the new library.

“The new Fremantle History Centre will feature a specialised climate-controlled storage area in an environmentally monitored space, digital microfilm readers and printers and a large screen where digitised materials, such as photographs and maps, can be displayed,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Overall, there are so many exciting features in our new library and the Fremantle History Centre that we can’t wait to unveil to the community. We look forward to welcoming everyone when we open”

To become a Fremantle Library member, visit the City’s website.