It was 25 years, almost to the day, last Friday when Noosa library was officially unveiled following its 2.2 million refurbishment by Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Mayor Tony Wellington in front of a crowd of about 200 residents, staff and officials.
“The library has been averaging a staggering 220,000 visits per year, and lending 325,000 items per year,” Cr Wellington said. “The Noosa libraries have the highest per capita lending in the State – something of which Noosa can be rightly proud.”And now, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, those borrowings can be far easier with the new Radio Frequency Identification system.
“9,000 residents attended library programs last year. With these new expanded facilities, it will be even easier to provide the fantastic education, information and skills-based classes that our libraries offer.
“The newly refurbished building respects the heritage of the original Maurice Hurst design. It also creates a space that reflects the unique look and feel of Noosa – by incorporating artwork from local artists, by extending the space into an outdoor ‘al fresco wi-fi’ setting, and by utilising features inspired by the natural landscape.
“It’s that sort of detail that makes this a “bespoke” library and a worthy companion to our Cooroy Library, which was voted one of the six coolest libraries in the world.”
The library now has additional community meeting rooms, a technology makerspace, a new Heritage Library, and, in-keeping with Noosa’s zero emissions ambitions, energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning.
Libraries and Galleries manager Kerri Contini thanked all who were involved over the two-year journey to create something special for the community.
