Libraries ACT calls for community input to help shape Canberra’s future public libraries

Libraries ACT appreciates that libraries are no longer just places to browse for favourite books and with its Imagine 2030 co-design process, they are resuming calls to the community to suggest ways Canberra’s public libraries of the future can look.

Libraries ACT Executive Branch Manager Vanessa Little advised “we are excited to restart this opportunity to help design libraries of the future after hitting the pause button last year when COVID-19 impacts were proving difficult.

“Now with library branches re-opened, we’re offering a variety of ways for people to share their ideas about how we can create libraries that meet changing needs.

“Increasingly, we have found our library branches are used as community meeting places, to support book clubs, host programs and events, and provide people with space to study and work. Moving into the future, we want to continue growing and also look for ways we can increase our resources and services – both inside and away from library branches.”

Little added “our recent refurbishment of the Woden Library demonstrates how library branches might look into the future. It has a recording studio as well as flexible spaces that can be used for dance groups, community meetings, relaxation and even a community kitchen. And, of course, there are still plenty of books.”

Upgrades were completed at Woden Library in December 2021 and budding musicians can now lay down tracks at the brand-new recording studio.

A co-design process with the local community in 2019 informed the Woden Library upgrades and build of the four new spaces. The community wanted to see more shared and multi-use spaces focusing on areas that promoted learning new skills, collaboration and access to digital hubs.

The second level of the Woden Library was previously home to the ACT Heritage Library, which has relocated to Fyshwick. The revamped level hosts four new community spaces and a recording studio.

The ACT Government’s Your Say engagement tool has been reactivated with an opportunity to upload ideas, photos or videos to a dedicated online platform.

The community can also visit any of the nine public library branches to look at displays, share ideas and take part in a series of community workshops commencing from tomorrow, Saturday 2nd April 2022 (bookings essential).

Little added “In the last decade, there have been many changes in how people access and use information and how we go about our daily life. At the same time, there is growing interest in understanding the impact of these changes on social cohesion and inclusion.

“Public libraries around the world have always responded to key shifts in societal needs and expectations. We look forward to hearing from the community about what is important to them. We will bring different perspectives together through a co-design process so we can prioritise a meaningful plan for the future.

“The events of the last two years have highlighted the importance of innovation, flexibility and speed in being able to evolve service delivery to respond to the external environment.

“Whilst the pandemic has been an exceptional situation, it has brought into sharper focus some of the compelling reasons why Libraries ACT need to look further into the future and plan now for our changing lives and changing city,”

For more information on the consultation visit Libraries ACT Imagine 2030 | YourSay ACT 

Consultation will be open until Friday 20th May 2022.

Image top: Budding musicians can enjoy the new technology available at refurbished Woden Library Courtesy act.gov.au/