Gabrielle Duykers, Naracoorte Community News

Members of the public can now step foot inside the Naracoorte library following the opening of its doors last week.

The $2.38 million library, located at 93 Smith Street, has seen the former Naracoorte Herald building transform into a much-needed central community space.

Multipurpose rooms, a dedicated children’s area, a history room, group study spaces, and new audiovisual and IT equipment are some of the key new features visitors can find inside the library.

Funded by Naracoorte Lucindale Council, the project also included renovations to the Town Hall toilets and foyer, as well as extended streetscaping along the front of the hall to merge the two neighbouring operations.

Mayor Erika Vickery said she was pleased to see the completed library being enjoyed by locals.

“This project has been a long time in the making and has hit some hurdles along the way,” Ms Vickery said.

“I would like to acknowledge the leadership of our CEO, particularly at the crucial planning stage and assisting elected members through the process to reach a very successful outcome.

“This facility will serve the community well – now and into the future.”

For many years council debated whether to upgrade the existing library on DeGaris Place or demolish and rebuild it.

However, the facility was deemed unsuitable due to significant maintenance and renovations required to bring it up to scratch.

Since closing the former DeGaris Place library in 2016, council has offered library services from a temporary site at 165 Smith Street.

Council CEO Trevor Smart said the project had given council some “heartache” over the years, but he hoped the community would be happy with the final result.

“We can now offer more space, the ability to increase programming and activities and build on the current Public Libraries South Australia system by offering new services for library users,” Mr Smart said.

“The design of the library and the approach with activation moving forward has been to offer an accessible, welcoming and modern space that contributes to the overall wellbeing and enjoyment of people in our community.”

Mr Smart thanked all those involved in helping to create the “warm, quiet and inviting” space.

Council’s Facebook announcement of the library opening was met with mixed emotions in the comments section.

“Nice work, looks new and fresh but aesthetically this doesn’t even look right,” Michelle Maynard said. “Could’ve at least blended (the library) in with the neighbouring properties using corresponding building materials.”

Angie Wardle said the library was “a fantastic facility for the Naracoorte and Lucindale district”.

Cristina Wedding also said it was an asset to the town.

“It’s lovely to see a beautiful old building with historical significance being reborn with new purpose,” she said.

Many comments voiced concerns regarding a lack of disabled parking near the library.

“Another kick in the guts for those of us who are physically disabled in this community,” Pete Buckle said. “With this redevelopment…where am I to park?”

A new Facebook Page for the Naracoorte library and Town Hall can be found at www.facebook.com/naracoortelibrarytownhall, which will provide regular updates on the programs and services available.

Some of the new library workshops include Chat Group, Maths 4 Under 5s, and Pom Pom Power where participants can make tactile artwork for the Naracoorte Fringe.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.