Update on library review and lighting upgrade

As Ron Weasley so famously declared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, "when in doubt, go to the library."

Last year, there were 180,000 visits made to the Wagga Wagga City Library, with a staggering 246,000 loans and more than 40,000 downloads of ebooks and movies made in just 12 months.

The library also attracted 16,000 people to over 300 events ranging from Storytime, Tech Senior Classes and livestreamed events like the Sydney Writers Festival.

“We know how important the Wagga Wagga City Library is to our city and growing population,” Director Community Janice Summerhayes said.

“That’s why we want as many members of our community as possible to have their say on how we shape the library moving into the future to make it an ever bigger and better space for its diverse users and members.”

The Wagga Wagga City Library is undertaking a review of services and programs in preparation for an increase in the city’s population to 100,000 by 2040.

There are plenty of ways members of the community can share their thoughts, beginning with the online Library Review.

“Visitors to the library can also enjoy a cuppa in the newspaper area of the library while they fill in the iPad or paper survey or have a chat with staff at Tuesday’s drop-in session at 10am,” Manager Library Services Claire Campbell said.

Residents are encouraged to get in quick, with the ‘Have Your Say’ Library review closing on Friday October 4.

Thanks to the Friends of the Library two lucky people will win a Cole Myer voucher worth $100.

Meanwhile, visitors and members are enjoying a pleasant surprise as they pop into the library.

Ms Campbell revealed plenty of members have expressed their amazement at the facility’s new appearance.

“People walk in and think it’s been painted,” Ms Campbell said.

“They’ve very surprised to hear it’s a result of the new lights… not a new coat of paint!”

Ms Campbell said the higher lighting is improving the library’s ambience, making it appear brighter and feel more spacious.

“AC Electrics are doing a fantastic job,” Ms Campbell said.

“When you look out the windows towards the lagoon, the view to the horizon is less cluttered. It looks so much more welcoming.”

AC Electrics are currently in the process of installing 95 downlights, replacing 316 tubes and 56 square fittings into the library as part of Council’s Civic Centre Lighting Upgrade Project.

“Even though it’s still a work in progress, it’s already making such a difference” Ms Campbell said.

The Civic Centre Lighting Upgrade Project is due to be finished before Christmas.