Works to begin on Gisborne Library upgrade

Works to improve and upgrade Gisborne Library so it better meets the needs of the town’s growing population are about to begin.

The Gisborne Library upgrade will begin on Monday 19 February and works are expected to continue for four months.

The refurbishment project is a partnership between Council, Goldfields Library Corporation and the Victorian Government. Much needed space will be created by removing internal walls, adding a rear courtyard and reorganising the interior. New carpet will also be laid and additional charging points for mobile devices installed. Other improvements include painting of the front façade as well as roofing and lighting upgrades.

The library will remain open for most of the upgrade. While every effort will be made to minimise disruption, parts of the building will be closed off at times due to the construction works. Parking may be reduced due to a worksite which will be located near the library.

For the duration of works, all morning Storytimes, Toddler Times and Baby Rhyme Times will be relocated to the Gisborne Mechanics Hall next door.

Brief (one to two day) closures will occur while major works are completed. Any closures will be advertised ahead of time and updates will be available in the library and via Council’s and the Goldfields Library Corporation’s websites. You can sign up for email updates on the project via gisborne@ncgrl.vic.gov.au.

Council’s Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson and Goldfields Library Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Mark Hands both welcomed the news of the start of the project. 

“Along with residents, we look forward to seeing the completed improvements in a few months’ time and enjoying the additional space and facilities,” Cr Anderson said.

Mr Hands said: “We are so pleased to partner with the government and Council to build a better Gisborne Library and to increase our capacity to meet the needs of the growing community.”

The Victorian Government will contribute $364,000 to the upgrade works as part of the government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program. Council will contribute $108,000 and Goldfields Library Corporation will contribute $35,000 in addition to $13,500 of in-kind support provided by Council and the Corporation.