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Gloucester Library has received $172,658 in funding under the 2016/17 Public Libraries Infrastructure Grant program.
Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said the grant is part of $4 million worth of funding for 31 public library projects across the State.
“I welcome this funding as MidCoast Council has pledged to spend the $172,658 towards transforming the library to a community living room, as part of the Gloucester Library renewal,” Mr Johnsen said.
This project will refurbish and renew the library to create a fresh, vibrant space that meets the contemporary library needs of the Gloucester community.
Gloucester Library is a key service point for the 4900 residents of Gloucester, who live a substantial distance from the larger service points of MidCoast libraries at Taree and Forster.
The refurbishment will support the growing use of wireless devices by customers within the library which requires more seating and study space.
“Now that Gloucester is part of MidCoast Libraries there is an exciting opportunity to share programs and events across the region,” MidCoast Council's manager of libraries, Chris Jones said. “By creating flexible events and program space at Gloucester Library will enable this opportunity to be realised.”
The transformation will include comfortable seating areas for reading or to access wi-fi, the addition of a meeting/study room, a refurbishment of the customer service area as a welcoming entry point, new mobile shelving that creates versatile program space and a technology area with new computers. All these areas will be presented in a freshly painted and carpeted space showcasing refreshed collections.
“We look forward to discussions with the community about delivering this exciting project for Gloucester,” Mr Jones said.
“This funding allocation brings NSW Government support for our public libraries in 2016/17 to almost $32.5 million,” Mr Johnsen said.
The Public Library Infrastructure Grants program is administered by the State Library of NSW on behalf of the Library Council of NSW.
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