New home for books and bubs in Sandringham

The Sandringham Living and Learning Centre is now complete with the fully renovated Sandringham Library and a brand new Maternal Child Health Centre.

Sandringham Library has been transformed into the ultimate book sanctuary with an emphasis on space, resources and community programs for all.

Whether your need is work, study or play, the upgraded library provides a modern meeting point for the Bayside community to gather and engage with the large collection of books, computers and more.

Under the same roof, you can find the brand new Sandringham Maternal and Child Health Centre relocated from its former site at 33 Abbott Street Sandringham.

The Abbott Street MCH was one of the busiest in the municipality, serving families with young children in the Sandringham, Black Rock and Cheltenham areas.

Council invested $3.88M into the renovations with an additional $700,000 funded by the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program (LLIP).

Prior to COVID-19 restrictions, Sandringham library had approximately 180,000 visitors per annum facilitating 162,000 loans in the 18/19 financial year. While the library was much loved, the previous space was in need of revival.

Designed by Croxon Ramsey and constructed by 2Construct, the library and Maternal and Child Health Centre took just under 12 months to complete.

Although retaining its external appearance - albeit with brand new signage, the interior of the library has been given an innovative uplift.

The floor space of the library has increased by approximately 300sqm meaning more room for author talks, story times and the opportunity to spread out and study.

In consideration of the changing nature of modern libraries, areas have been introduced into the building such as the maker space, video conferencing booths and dedicated meeting rooms.

With large porthole windows positioned throughout the library, complete with ring light frame, the space feels like it’s straight out the pages of a science fiction novel.

Bayside Mayor Cr Clarke Martin said the library upgrade is an important milestone in the library’s 62 year history.

“It’s no secret that Sandringham Library is loved by many and this renovation will provide facilities that meet the needs of the community while supporting the role of our libraries in strengthening community connectedness and participation,” Cr Martin said.

“Sandringham Library opened in June 1958 with 9,000 books on its shelves and in 2014, it was named Australia’s Favourite Library. Local residents will be thrilled with the upgraded facilities that ensure the building will remain a valuable and much loved asset for years to come.”

The fit for purpose newly built Maternal and Child Health Centre at the Living and Learning centre will better support the valuable work of our Maternal and Child Health nurses and provide an inviting space for parents across the municipality.

The new space comprises of two offices and a private lactation support area. The large waiting area will also be used to accommodate the First Time Parent Groups and can be used as a community meeting space.

Bayside Mayor Cr Clarke Martin said MCH and libraries in Bayside have enjoyed a long history of working collaboratively together to promote and encourage early childhood literacy at the First Time Parent Groups.

“The co-location of Sandringham MCH and Library will actively promote and support early childhood literacy and more broadly, social connection, in services that are by their nature, inclusive,” Cr Martin said.