The relocation of the Mareeba Library is a flagship project for Mareeba Shire Council and is set to take place during August. With the current Library in Byrnes Street closing for the relocation from Saturday, 7 August 2021, the new Library will open at the Cedric Davies Hub on Anzac Avenue on Monday, 16 August 2021.
Mayor Angela Toppin said that the closure from Saturday, 7 August will allow the Mareeba Library collection to be relocated to the new site. “Library staff have worked to ensure that the move is completed as quickly as possible and means that library patrons will experience all the benefits of the new site from Monday, 16 August 2021.”
The new library features an increased amount of space, providing an enhanced level of service to its patrons that could not be achieved at its previous location and caters for people of all abilities with full accessibility, including a scooter recharge facility at the entrance. The new library also features dedicated areas for adult learning and university and high school students, and an assigned space for the under-fives to enhance their understanding of numeracy and literacy and encourage learning through play to help them get ready for prep school.
With ample off-street parking, a coffee station, meeting room, a room for patrons to read and relax, increased public computer booking capacity, and wi-fi access throughout Mayor Toppin encourages all members of the community to visit the new library.
“There is also an area of the library dedicated to young people, bequeathed by Laurie Tracona, which will feature a collection of youth books and library items, a gaming console, television and study area.”
Mayor Toppin encourages library patrons to prepare for the closure, “Library staff are encouraging our library users to borrow resources ahead of time or to make use of the extensive online collection during the closure.”
The plan to open the library on Monday, 2 August 2021 has changed due to unforeseen circumstances. Councillor Toppin explained, “Initially it was intended for the library relocation to take place early in August, however, with a project of this size there is always a chance that delays can occur. Councillors and I are committed to ensuring that the new library is completely ready for business at opening and that our valued patrons benefit from the full experience on offer.”
Council acknowledges the State and Federal Government funding which made this project possible via the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program and Works for Queensland Program, and the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.