Council announces new city library in Rundle Mall
Released: 22/03/2013
Adelaide City Council has today announced plans for a brand new, state of the art public library to be created in the heart of the city.
Lease negotiations are being finalised for a large space in the Rundle Place building, in the middle of Rundle Mall. The contract is expected to be finalised within the next month and once signed, work will get underway on creating the multipurpose ‘City Library’.
The site will include a large space for events and exhibitions, a bigger and better Digital Hub that will provide ongoing access to new technologies, a number of public meeting rooms, a pop-up café as well as a dedicated area to explore local history.
The library will also offer traditional services, including a large selection of books, magazines, DVD’s, newspapers and literature, and will offer extended opening hours in line with Rundle Mall trading.
“We’re currently finalising the lease, but if all goes to plan Rundle Place will be a great, convenient location for the new City Library,” said Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood.
“Libraries of the future are more than just books – they’re true community hubs that are flexible and inviting, where people can participate, learn, engage and exchange information,” he said.
“The new City Library will offer something for everyone, including businesses, residents, workers, students and visitors to the city. It will be a place for creativity and innovation, with cutting edge technology, inspirational spaces and functional, universal design,” he added.
Council is investing approximately $2.2 million in setup costs for the ‘City Library’ in Rundle Place, due be opened by the end of 2013. The area currently being negotiated is approximately 1,900 sqm; 700 sqm larger than the combined space of the existing libraries.
Existing services at the nearby North Terrace and Grote Street libraries will be transferred to the new library once it’s opened. The Rundle Mall location is within 500 metres of both of these libraries and is well serviced by public transport and parking.
The Hutt Street and Tynte Street Libraries will remain open to the public. To ensure continuing services in the South West precinct of the city, flexible library services will be provided at the South West Community Centre and staff will be available to assist customers with browsing the library catalogue and facilities will be provided for pick up and returns.
“We have done extensive research, analysis and consultation with the community over the last couple of years about what kind of library service is needed in the future,” said Ms Sandy Verschoor, General Manager for City Culture and Community Services.
“Council’s current libraries are at capacity and offer no room for expansion so the new City Library will offer a lot more space and flexibility,” she said.
“It will also have synergies with other Council projects, in particular the Rundle Mall Redevelopment, as well as offer up exciting possibilities for events, such as the Adelaide Festival and the Fringe.”
The community is encouraged to get involved and help guide the services provided in the library and its uses is to ensure it meets community needs and aspirations, now and into the future.
Consultation will be open via
http://yoursay.adelaidecitycouncil.com/ from Monday 25 March 2013 and feedback forms will also be available at Council’s libraries, community centres and Council’s Customer Centre at Pirie Street. Information sessions will also be held at the Grote Street and North Terrace libraries in in April / May.
“We are really keen for feedback from the community about the kinds of services and uses that the new library should offer,” Stephen said.
“Together, we want to enable the community to make the most of the new City Library – so make sure you get involved and have your say!”
To keep disruption to a minimum a staged closure of the Grote Street and North Terrace libraries will be carried out. More details will be provided to library customers over the coming months with exact closure dates.
Naomi Marsh Tel: (08) 8203 7446
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