Library opened at Blacktown Leisure Centre

Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope (BLCS), NSW, has been expanded with the addition of a branch library along with new recreation and fitness facilities.

The Dennis Johnson Branch Library in Stanhope Gardens, in-conjunction with the stage two extensions to BLCS was recently opened by the Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Charlie Lowles.

Mayor Lowles explained "the new $8.2 million library and leisure centre development is of the highest standards and will be widely used by the community as a great resource for leisure, education and recreation."

Mayor Lowles went on to explain the vision for the combined facility as being "to provide the ultimate in affordable leisure and entertainment to the community regardless of age or ability by creating a high quality lifestyle and health environment, great sporting opportunities, a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere and great aquatic fun."

The new 1,200 metre2 library facility includes:

• An Information Technology section with 18 computers for internet and word processing applications;
• A dedicated Young Adults Hub with fiction and non-fiction collections, covering topics such as medical, social and legal issues for teens;
• An extensive Audio-Visual/Magazine collection with more than 5,000 items catering for all interests in particular leisure;
• A reference collection, containing encyclopaedias, yearbooks, dictionaries, atlases, indexes and many standard reference works on a range of subjects;
• Three meeting rooms catering for up to 50 people with access to AV equipment;
• A convenient drive through returns chute which is available 24/7 - all items from the Blacktown City Library Service can be returned here;
• An outside reading area that will allow library patrons to have a coffee from the neighbouring Leisure Centre's Cafe Breeze and relax with a good book in the quiet area; and
• A Social Lounge and deck area complete with bar, plasma TV and projector screen.

New recreation facilities at the Centre include:

• An international standard squash court;
• A new Spin studio complete with 21 Body Bike cycles;
• A 140 metre2 gym floor extension including extra free weights, benches & new plasma TVs; and
• A new café, crèche extension, Surfees Swim School office and a relocation of the main service desk to a central point.

Since opening in February 2003, Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope has had more than six million visitors through its doors.