Over the next 8 months, Ararat Library will undergo an interior furnishings upgrade, as announced in Council’s 2024/25 Draft Budget.
Interior upgrade works to the Ararat Library were carried out in 2003, followed by a small development upgrade when Council took over management from Central Highlands Library Corporation in 2012. There have since been significant changes in how libraries are used globally, with a greater demand for flexible information and learning spaces.
The post-COVID-19 environment has seen a rapid increase in the demand for remote working and mobile workspaces in general amongst the local community, a reflection of wider societal changes.
The primary focus of this upgrade is to modernise the library’s interior furniture, creating a layout which best supports a flexible multi-use facility. Additionally, these upgrades will also aim to improve access to digital technology.
The project, due to be complete by March 2025 and will incorporate the following upgrades:
- New flexible ‘mobile’ shelving for adult fiction and non-fiction areas, in line with the mobile shelving in the children’s area. This will enable these shelves to be moved for flexible use of the space for programs, etc.
- New furniture and ‘soft’ reading/quiet spaces for flexible use (studying on a laptop, reading, etc.).
- Replacement carpet/flooring to best cater for modern facility needs.
- Two additional public use computers to meet demand for use of technology.
- Improved/modernised signage on the exterior of the library building.
This project exemplifies Ararat Rural City Council’s commitment to meeting our 2021-2025 Council Plan objectives, in particular Objective 5 – Enhancing Community Life:
5. We will work with the communities of Ararat Rural City to maintain social cohesion, support community activity and cultural life, and enhance safety.
5.1 Open up Council’s arts and culture assets to greater community participation, ownership, and engagement in decision-making.
“The library provides a vital space for learning, connection and growth within our community” says Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison. “These upgrades will provide improved facilities in line with the changing needs of our community and feedback received on the use of the library space.”
Council is seeking feedback from community members on what they would like to see included in the Ararat Library upgrade.
To prove your feedback on this project, please visit: engage.ararat.vic.gov.au/ararat-library-upgrade
