By Mikayla van Loon
Belgrave Library is getting a revamp but unfortunately that means it has to close while the works are completed.
From Wednesday 26 May the library will be closed to the public for at least four to five months but Belgrave Library team leader Federica Mastrangelo said that was only an estimate.
“With the current uncertain climate, delays can be expected,” she said.
But it will be well worth the wait when the library reopens.
The main refurbishments will be to extend the community room and move the entrance to the front of the building, while private study rooms and an outdoor courtyard with tables and chairs will also be added.
Ms Mastrangelo said that many people use the library to work and study, so by offering private rooms it gives more people the ability to be in a quiet space.
“The community room is widely used not only for library events but also by members of the community to run groups, meetings and a variety of workshops,” she said.
“By increasing the capacity of the room there will be more opportunities to book the space during and after library hours.”
Although those projects are exciting, Ms Mastrangelo said the best part is involving the community through art.
“I think the most exciting part will be the artwork by local artists which will be displayed around the new entrance of the library.”
For staff, Ms Mastrangelo said they are of course excited about all of the refurbishments but the relocation of the customer service desk to the centre of the building and the new returns room will make everything more efficient.
“[And] of course the staff are happy that they will be able to stay warm in winter when the 30 year old heating and cooling system is replaced,” Ms Mastrangelo said.
The library received $450,000 from Yarra Ranges Council which matched the $450,000 from the State government in 2020.
During the 2018/19 period, the library had over 100,000 visits and had decent attendance to all events, so the upgrades were a welcome addition to the original 1997 design.
In the meantime, the Belgrave Library Express will be operating from the Belgrave Community Hub Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 4.30pm from Monday 7 June.
Library members will be able to collect reservations and browse a small selection of new books.
Children’s story time will run as normal on Monday and Tuesday mornings at 11am and Tiny Tots story time at 2pm on Tuesdays.
