Books back on shelves at Castlemaine Library

Patrons and staff are celebrating the return of the non-fiction collection to shelves at the Castlemaine Library, after the completion of floor repairs in the north west section.

Castlemaine Library Manager Kath Waugh said staff are looking forward to getting back to business as usual.

“A team of six staff and six volunteers, including the Friends of the Castlemaine Library, have re-shelved over 360 boxes of books in just two days,” said Ms Waugh.

“We are really excited that our full collection will be available again to the public. Borrowing items from other Goldfields Libraries has helped to cover demand, but there is nothing like browsing the shelves to find what you need,” she said.

Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Michael Redden and the Goldfields Library Corporation’s new Chief Executive Officer Chris Kelly stopped by the library to see the new floors and carpet.

“It’s good to see the whole library open again. Library staff and volunteers are commended for their hard work in moving thousands of books, and working with Council to come up with solutions to keep services running during the disruption,” said Cr Redden.

“Council would also like to thank staff and library users for their patience and cooperation while the works were completed. It makes us all realise how valuable the library is to our community - for people of all ages, for education, to foster reading or for the love of a good book,” he said.

Access to the non-fiction section of the library has been restricted since February while maintenance works were undertaken in the heritage-listed building. Works included renewal of deteriorating floorboards and the subfloor structure, as well as the installation of mechanical ventilation in part of the building.

Council will continue to work closely with the Goldfields Library Corporation to coordinate further works as part of Council’s maintenance program.

The foyer of the Phee Broadway Theatre will also be upgraded later in the year to improve the space and amenity for library activities such as toddler story time, author talks and WiFi use.

The upgrades will be funded through the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries fund, with contributions from the Friends of Castlemaine Library and Council as part of a broader vision to improve the community hub in the arts and culture precinct.