The Parkes Shire Library has reopened its doors in Bogan Street following a 14-month, $2.2 million refurbishment and expansion.
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Members of the public were excited to check out and use the upgraded facility on Monday morning.
The new, architecturally designed indoor and outdoor space offers the community an innovative and modern expansion to deliver new dynamic art, cultural and education spaces, including an intergenerational Makerspace Studio.
"We are really proud of the new space and strongly encourage our community, members or not, to come and check out this beautiful space and discover our new features," cultural, education and library services manager Kerryn Jones said.
"Features include meeting rooms, additional space for children's programs, quiet study spaces, places to connect with technology - there's something for everybody."
The official opening and ribbon cutting marking the work has been scheduled for Friday, November 13 at 10am.
From Monday, the Parkes Shire Library programs have recommenced with bookings required due to limited numbers. These include for:
- Weekly Storytime Wednesday 10.30am.
- Weekly Rhyme Time Thursday 10.30am.
- Book Club last Wednesday and Thursday evening of the month.
- Special guest Heather Morris will be conducting author talks and a live Q&A session on Thursday, October 15. Spaces are limited and registration is required.
Information stations have been set up throughout the library to showcase just some of the programs and services provided, such as local family history services and history slideshows of the Parkes Library.
"This project is a result of years of community consultation and feedback," Mayor Ken Keith OAM said.
"More than 100 groups and organisations helped develop the concepts for the new facility, which will continue to meet the needs of the shire and region, providing access to art and cultural experiences that are currently not available to our community."
And to celebrate Book Week beginning next week on Monday, October 19, the mayor and his fellow councillors will be getting involved in reading and Storytime sessions.
"We invite members of the community to come along and join in," Cr Keith said.
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.
The Parkes Shire Library team is encouraging new memberships and welcome all community members to join the library and make the most of the free resources.
The library is open from 9.30am-5.30pm weekdays and 9.30am-12 noon Saturdays. Please contact 6861 2333 or email library@parkes.nsw.gov.au for more information.
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