"We're able to make some really significant improvements to the Library thanks to the $172,000 grant we received last year from the State Library of NSW," MidCoast Council's library services manager Chris Jones said.

"The grant specifies certain improvements that must be included in the redesign, such as an operational automatic door, new shelving, meeting room, replacement of carpet and new furniture. If you've visited the Library lately, you will notice the automatic door is now fully operational."

Beyond the required improvements, the community highlighted the need to widen the entryway corridor; introduce some quiet space; ensure relaxation seating is easy to get up from; and retain the current collection levels.

"Some other excellent suggestions included ensuring the computer area was located away from the front entrance, and a makeover of the children's area,” Mr Jones said.

"The community also saw the importance of a meeting room/quiet space and a staff room. As these both require floor space, we have been working very hard to fit them into the available area without compromising the collection or over-crowding the Library space."

The concept plan is on display in Gloucester Library and online at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Gloucesterlibrary.

There's information about the project there, including details of how the community feedback has been incorporated in the final design plan.

"We're developing a plan for undertaking these major works in a way that minimises disruption to Library services,” Mr Jones said.

There will be two stages to the project. The first stage will include the construction of the staff workroom and meeting space.

"We envisage this will not require closure of the library, with work being done outside normal hours. Visitors will have to understand that there will be some disruption during this time as parts of the library will be a worksite. This may take around four weeks,” Mr Jones said.

Following directly on from this work we plan to close the library for a two-week period, when we will have to remove all stock from the library, dismantle shelving, paint, re-carpet, install new furniture and return the collection to the new shelves.  If all goes to plan we hope to have everything done by the end of August.

Don’t panic though - we'll extend the borrowing limits and make sure no Gloucester reader will miss out during any extended closures. Keep an eye on the website project page at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Gloucesterlibrary for updates on progress.