The Parkes Shire Library expansion project is officially underway with the sod turned on construction on Monday morning, making way for contractors to commence demolition works.
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The Library Expansion Project will rejuvenate and expand the 18-year-old building by an additional 455 square metres.
It will include a gallery and inter-generational maker space, meeting rooms, quiet study areas, additional room for children's programs, places to connect with technology and 'green areas'.
Manager Cultural, Education and Library Services, Kerryn Jones said as a main provider of lifelong learning and cultural endeavours, it's essential that the Parkes Library facility is able to meet the needs of our growing community.
"Once complete, the innovative and modern building will deliver new dynamic art, cultural and education spaces that will allow us to host art exhibitions and cultural workshops, as well as better accommodate our current and future members, as well as our staff," Kerryn said.
The doors opened to the Library's temporary location at Shop 2/250 Clarinda Street on Monday where it will be operating from for the next 12 months while the expansion project is being carried out.
"Thank you to our members and visitors for your patience and understanding during the closure period, while we relocated into our new space," Kerryn said.
"Temporarily relocating to the main street of Parkes provides us with a great opportunity to take advantage of the CBD foot traffic, to further promote our range of services, programs and events."
The $2.2 million Parkes Shire Library Expansion Project is funded through the NSW Government's Regional Cultural Fund, Public Library Infrastructure Grant, and Council.
Regular project updates will be provided via Council's website under the Current Projects section - www.parkes.nsw.gov.au
In an effort to open up additional CBD parking spaces during the Library Expansion and Main Street Revitalisation projects, Council is currently constructing a temporary carpark along Dalton Street - the site of the former Taxi Office building.
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