The new-look, totally refurbished Narooma Library was officially reopened by Eurobodalla Shire councillor Phil Constable who cut the ribbon to applause from the crowd.
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Narooma Library reopened on Thursday after getting the big makeover and its first refurbishment since opening in May 2003.
“We are very excited about the changes inside the library and invite everyone to become a member and explore your new library,” Clr Constable said.
Council was very keen to support the shire’s libraries because they supported lifelong learning, teach us empathy, preserve culture and heritage, and empower us, he said. Narooma Library last year saw 47,000 people visit, borrowing more than 55,000 items.
Musician Sarah Cowan played a welcoming song with lyrics about inclusion. Also attending were newly elected councillor James Thomson and his mother Yvonne, while there were also staff from council’s community services division and the other libraries.
There was a crowd of library regulars and supporters and all enjoyed morning tea with Narooma Library team leader Di Lihou and Clr Constable cutting the cake.
The library has been repainted and recarpeted, with new furniture, shelves and a revamped kid’s area, and there have also been hundreds of new books added to the library’s collection.
The refurbishment has also seen new tables and seating added to create several spaces in the library for patrons to relax and read, and the new shelves will be on wheels can be moved to make space for events.
The computers have been moved up against the outside wall also making for more space, while there is a new study and meeting area at the back where a new television will be able to be used for powerpoint presentations.
The new children’s area has been moved to the front of the library and feature bright new furniture, timber-look flooring, and a very spiffy boat handmade by the Eurobodalla Woodies. Also in the children’s area is a new touch-screen, interactive learning board.
The painting and recarpeting are part of the Eurobodalla Council’s scheduled maintenance of properties, while the new furniture, shelves and other features have been financed by a NSW State Library Grant of $55,000.