Hervey Bay Library Reopens
The refurbished Hervey Bay Library has reopened today (Tuesday 20 February 2024).
Fraser Coast Regional Librarian Tara Webb said Council was thrilled to be welcoming visitors back to the Hervey Bay Library on Old Maryborough Road following six months of serving the community from a temporary pop-up facility beside the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery.
“The Hervey Bay Library is one of the community’s most loved facilities with up to 1500 people visiting daily during busy periods to borrow books, DVDs and toys, access digital services and attend events,” she said.
“It is a vibrant hub for the community to gather, learn and connect.
“The Hervey Bay Library building has undergone a range of renovations in recent months, including the replacement of the roof and air conditioning system, and a range of minor maintenance works.
“The library also now has a new layout and wayfinding signage to help visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily.
“Repurposed spaces include a dedicated Children’s Library, Toy Room, a Digital Experience zone for technology classes and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) use, and comfortable areas for study and reading.
“These enhancements were necessary to provide a safe and comfortable environment for both staff and the community, and ensure the building remains a valuable community asset for years to come.”
More than 45,000 people across the Fraser Coast are library members – more than a third of the region’s population with Council’s other library branches at Maryborough, Howard, Burrum Heads and Tiaro.
The refurbishment of the Hervey Bay Library was made possible with the assistance of a $1.5 million Works for Queensland grant from the State Government.
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the Miles Government had supported the project through funding from the Works for Queensland (W4Q) program.
“Having worked as a qualified library technician, libraries hold a special place for me and everyone in our community to learn and connect with each other. The Hervey Bay community is excited to see this hub reopening its doors with even better facilities on offer.
“Since it began in 2016, W4Q has provided more than $55.91 million to support Fraser Coast Council to deliver projects like the Hervey Bay Library upgrade.”
The Hervey Bay Library is located at 161 Old Maryborough Road, Pialba and is open 9am – 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am – 6pm Thursday and 9am – 4pm Friday and Saturday.