WITH its welcoming interior, wide open spaces and modern facilities, the new Evans Head Library was officially opened today by Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow.
With new furniture, furnishings and amenities, the renovation both inside and out has transformed the Library into a friendly community hub for residents and visitors to enjoy for many years.
The $880,000 renovation was funded via a $400,000 Public Library Infrastructure Grant from the NSW Government, and $480,000 from Council’s 2020-2021 capital works budget.
Casino-based Bennett & Robertson Constructions undertook the work, which has tripled the size of the Library, allowing a greater number of users to move more freely throughout the building.
Another unique element of the upgrade was the addition a shaded courtyard area, complete with seating and architect-designed landscaping to create an outdoor option for Library users.
In a nod to 100 years of surf lifesaving in Evans Head, the ‘Buzza Pearce’ lifeboat hangs from the Library’s ceiling. Sure to be a focal point during next year’s century celebrations.
Mr Gulaptis said libraries were no longer just a place to borrow books; they had become bustling community hubs offering a range of services and entertainment for locals and visitors.
“This project has included a reconfigured floor plan and a complete refurbishment inside and out to help ensure the Library is a vibrant space for people of all ages to enjoy well into the future,” he said.
Cr Mustow said the completion of the newly renovated Evans Head Library capped off a stellar year for the popular Richmond Upper Clarence Regional Library (RUCRL).
“Despite the challenges of COVID-19, which included forced branch closures in early 2020 and the introduction of pandemic safety measures, such as limiting visitor numbers, the RUCRL continued to grow its membership in the 2020-2021 financial year,” he said.
During 2020-2021, 70,583 members and visitors took advantage of RUCRL’s services. The latest annual report has revealed 793 new members joined during the year, with a total of 16,338 members.
The service also ran 818 programs, including 169 children and youth events, and 649 successful adult programs including Tech Savvy for Seniors, Create, Make, Share craft programs, adult colouring-in, book clubs, book launches and author visits both to library branches and online.
There was also continue success with the innovative Seed Library service, with 4185 seed loans encouraging the growth of plenty of neighbourhood vegetable gardens.
If you would like to know more about Library services available online call 6660 0250 or email enquiries@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au
The Library’s range of eResources available including eBooks, eAudiobooks and Beamafilms, are also available from https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/community-services/libraries-2/ or directly from the Library app.