The Schrinner Council is delivering world class libraries, with $11.6 million to be invested over the next term to transform Everton Park Library and double it in size.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane libraries had reinvented themselves beyond just being venues where books were borrowed and the Everton Park upgrade would help future-proof the much-loved community space.
“Everton Park Library is 56 years old and one of the smallest among Brisbane’s 33 libraries and we’re investing $1.4 million this financial year to begin the project and give the growing community a bigger and better facility,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The existing 454m² library will grow to more than 1000m2 and include new multi-purpose spaces, meeting rooms, a computer lounge, a dedicated quiet room and a children’s space to support early literacy development.
“The contemporary design will also focus on providing a tranquil setting and improved connection to the adjoining Fallon Park and Fallon Cottage.
“In the next 12 months we’ve also committed to refurbish the Inala and Zillmere libraries, and will continue to deliver important initiatives that bring library services to everyone including our popular Home Library Service for frail and elderly residents.
“The planning and design work is underway for a refurbishment of Inala Library which will deliver something for everyone including a new children’s library, a bigger and better meeting room, new interior fit out and the introduction of a self-service returns system.
“Meanwhile, works are currently underway on the Carindale Library extension which will create areas for more meeting rooms and creative spaces for the community to enjoy.”
Cr Schrinner said library staff had worked incredibly hard over the past year to make their offerings even more accessible including by creating Brisbane’s first BNELibraries app.
“The BNELibraries app has been downloaded more than 50,000 times since going live in March 2020 and has hosted more than 780,000 searches, 218,000 physical collection holds, 188,000 physical collection checkouts and almost 25,000 digital loans,” he said.
“We’ve also seen almost 25,000 new library members sign-up since January alone, and there have been more than 1800 in-library sessions held in the past 12 months with more than 12,000 participants.”
The $11.6 million Everton Park library transformation will be completed by late 2023, with construction to begin from late 2022. Planning and design work is underway for the Inala Library refurbishment and the Zillmere Library upgrade is expected to be complete this term.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or www.adrianschrinner.com.au/brisbane-news to keep up to date with what’s happening in Brisbane.
