Grafton’s new library doubles visitor numbers in six months

Visitor numbers have doubled in six months following the opening of the new $8 million library in Grafton in NSW, reports Government News.

According to Government News, the Sir Earle Page Library and Education Centre has received daily visitors of between 600-900 people, with membership growing by 2000%.

The library was designed by national architect firm ThomsonAdsett, who received a commendation at the recent Australian Architects’ regional awards. The building incorporates sculptures and glass work from local artists and an interactive floor projector with moving images. Catering for a range of ages and activities, the library includes a computer area, meeting rooms, a children’s activity area and quiet reading spaces.

ThomsonAdsett project director Dayne Mearns told Government News: ‘We aimed to incorporate within the design seamlessly integrated space for multiple uses, including for members of the community to get together and socialise, craft activities, computer gaming and quiet research, for cultural exhibitions and performances, as well as to access the latest information technology and published collections.’

Regional librarian Kathryn Breward described the new library as ‘the beating heart of the community, a real people space’. ‘Everyone feels very comfortable here, which is not always the case, with libraries often feeling too cavernous or too small and generally just out of proportion to the people.’

The Sir Earle Page Library and Education Centre opened on 7 April and is named after the former prime minister of Australia and first chancellor of the University of New England, who was born in Grafton.

Category: Library news