Kangaroo Flat Library is on the move in 2020

In June 2020, the Kangaroo Flat Library will relocate from its present address, on High Street at the front of Lansell Square Shopping Centre, to the former Senior Citizens building at 23 Lockwood Road. 

The Lockwood Road premises will undergo a $1.38M redevelopment to provide a 50 per cent larger, centrally located library facility to service Kangaroo Flat’s growing community for many years to come.

The Lockwood Road site:

• Increases the current library space by almost 50 percent
• Is close to public transport
• Is close to the Kangaroo Flat shopping strip
• Is close to the Kangaroo Flat site of the Bendigo Community Heath Services
• Is close to local schools
• Has good access for all
• Has sufficient car parking on site ans is in close proximity to other public car parking
• Has the Bendigo Creek walking trail running down the side of the site which provides good access for residents to the site by bike or foot
• The City also owns land on both sides of the site
• Has potential to develop into a new community hub

For more information, view the Community Bulletin.

The move to Lockwood Road is a strong commitment and investment by both the City and Goldfields Libraries to provide improved and expanded library services to the community. 

We asked, you told, we've listened!

Late last year we conducted a community survey, asking you what you'd like to see at the new Kangaroo Flat Library. We also held two openhouse sessions for you to come and have a look through the space and learn more about the plans. 

Thank you to the over 250 people who took the time to complete the survey or attended an open day to let us know what you want to see provided at the new Kangaroo Flat Library in Lockwood Road.

You told us what you are excited about, what you are worried about, what you want to see more of and what you love, as well as sharing your thoughts on how much you value the services provided by the Kangaroo Flat Library.

Your feedback was very helpful and is shaping the way the new library will look and operate into the future. We don’t have the resources to deliver on all your hopes but we love your ideas, respect your concerns and are working hard to create the most accessible, welcoming library where you can connect, learn, read, work and relax.

What we are doing as a result of your feedback

• We are working with disability access architects and occupational therapists to make the library as accessible as possible for everyone
• We are taking your feedback into consideration in decisions about library fixtures and furnishings
• The existing library staff will move to the new library site and there will also be new programs, books, shelving, furniture and specialised spaces for you to enjoy, including the fish tank!
• The building design has been altered to provide a drinks station for members of the community to use
• The City is currently working with Regional Roads Victoria about possible improvements for pedestrian and vehicle access to and from the new library site
• Suggestions for a community garden and social enterprise café will be considered as part of future site development opportunities

The following is what we learned from you

What you are excited about:

• A beautiful new, bright, fresh, modern, bigger space that reflects how important the library is to the Kangaroo Flat Community
• More space for programs, relaxing, reading, studying and working 
• The new location being close to schools, shops and the walking track
• Potential for the library to become the centre of a bigger community hub

What you love about your local library:

• You love that the library is free, quiet, safe, inclusive and welcoming for all!
• You love the friendly staff (80% of you said that the staff are the library’s most valuable asset)
• You love the amazing resources (books, magazines, newspapers, films, music, free wifi and computers… and the fish tank)

What you want to see more of:

• Quiet places to sit and relax, read and work 
• More variety of books
• Separate and specialised spaces for children and young people, for work/ study/quiet reading, and for programs and social connection
• Lots of people wanted a café or tea and coffee facilities
• More programs such as children’s events and author talks
• Consideration for disability access building and design
• Consideration for sustainable building and design
• A baby change room and pram parking
• More comfortable seating and lounge areas
• More desks/work spaces
• Longer hours (after work and longer weekend access and programs)

What you are worried about:

• Some were worried about the new location – especially parking, public transport, disability access, a busy road to cross and not having the convenience of being near the big shopping centre
• A number of parents don’t want to see technology in the children’s spaces

This is what you said about the library:

“The people there are so helpful and kind and nothing is too much trouble for them”

“The library is the only community asset we can access where people accept us and welcome us”

“It is a community space where I have no obligation to spend money to enjoy the air-con.”

“It is a safe space for the LGBTIQ+ community.”

“It’s a place to explore, unwind in a story and in a safe, quiet environment with great staff that are always willing to help”

“It is a place to try new things. It is a place that facilitates lifelong learning.”

“The library gives me a way of connecting with my children. I read to them and they read themselves as well. It’s a place to go that’s free and fantastic resources.”

“Libraries are a significant community treasure.”

“It is a lifeline”

If you have any questions or comments about the Kangaroo Flat LIbrary move, please get in contact. Phone 03 5447 8344 or email kangarooflat@ncgrl.vic.gov.au