MEDIA RELEASE - A library, plus so much more: Kirrawee Library+ sets a new standard
A world of creative opportunities has been opened up for Sutherland Shire residents, with the launch today of an amazing new technology-focused community facility in Kirrawee Library+.
This state-of-the-art facility is southern Sydney’s newest library and community venue, designed with a strong focus on providing easy access to the tools and technology to help local residents bring their creative dreams to life.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Jack Boyd, was joined at today’s official opening by NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Brown, Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart, Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos and some of the Sutherland Shire’s leading creative talent to officially launch the new $10m facility.
Mayor Boyd said Kirrawee Library+ had been carefully designed to keep pace with the evolving needs of the community, offering a staggering array of facilities which go well beyond the offerings found in any traditional library.
“Our local libraries have always been wonderful places to seek out a great story, but at Kirrawee Library+ we have delivered an incredible space for people to come and create amazing stories of their own,” Mayor Boyd said.
“This is a library that is not just about books. It’s about embracing the creative and innovative future of digital services, new media and technologies – supporting and encouraging our artists, creators, start-ups, and storytellers.
“Our local libraries are constantly evolving to keep pace with the needs of our community, but in Kirrawee Library+ we have delivered a purpose-built facility where putting the latest technology in the hands of our library users is the focus from the outset.”
Kirrawee Library+ has been designed as a flexible, innovative community space, packed with features for musicians, filmmakers, content creators, performers and artists. With Kirrawee one of the major urban growth centres of the Sutherland Shire, the facility is set to provide a valuable community space in the heart of the South Village residential and retail precinct, offering collaborative space, study areas and a children’s library among many other features.
The new Kirrawee Library+ comes as Sutherland Shire Council’s ninth library and will offer an expansive list of services and features, including:
* Recording studios and a live sound room to create and capture music, film, stories and podcasts,
* A media lab and creative space with industry-standard software and equipment for recording and editing audio, video, photography and graphics,
* Brand new collections to borrow including musical instruments and recording kits,
* Bookable spaces for events, such as conferences and film screenings,
* Beautiful spaces to meet, study and work,
* A bright children’s space featuring popular Storytime programs; and,
* An extensive suite of traditional library offerings, including high-quality books to cater for readers of all ages.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said Kirrawee Library+ is a great new creative community space for the Sutherland Shire.
“Modern libraries are far more than a collection of books, they’re community hubs and this facility embodies the needs of a modern community with everything from recording studios to a media lab, event spaces and more,” Mr Scully said.
“The state-of-the-art facility provides spaces to study, research, explore creativity and collaborate.”
Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said the Kirrawee Library will enable our community to expand their skills and embrace new creative pursuits.
“In designing this facility Council have reached well beyond what we expect a library to, deliver a future ready civic space that can readily adapt to changes in technology and community demand,” Ms Stuart said.
“The NSW Government is proud to support incredible projects like Kirrawee Library+ which support their community to pursue their passions, develop new skills and have fun creating and collaborating as they do it.”
The $10m project has been delivered with the assistance of $6m grant funding provided through the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure program, a $250,000 contribution through the State Library NSW’s Public Library Infrastructure Grants program and funds sourced through a voluntary planning agreement with waste services company Cleanaway.
NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said she was thrilled to be part of the official launch of Kirrawee Library+ and see the strong community demand that already existed for the facilities on offer.
“No matter where you go across the state, libraries play a vital role in providing a focal point for the community, providing a place for people to gather, study, relax and explore,” Dr Butler-Bowdon said.
“We’ve already seen here today by how many people have flocked to be part of the host of fun family activities on offer and make use of the new facilities that Kirrawee Library+ will offer a massive range of activities, live performances, film and music for the community to enjoy.”
Local country music superstar, Golden Guitar winner Luke O’Shea, was among the many talented local musicians to give the recording facilities a test run, saying he was excited to see how Kirrawee Library+ would allow local creative talent to shine.
“There is some really inspiring talent here in the Sutherland Shire, and I know having industry standard recording studio equipment at their fingertips will help the next generation to unlock their potential,” Mr O’Shea said.
Working with architects Studio Hollenstien and Belmadar construction, Council designed and fitted out the 1500m2 space with a focus on supporting local residents to enjoy film, music, writing, performance, and creative storytelling in a host of mediums. The extensive range of facilities are housed in a bright, modern library designed with a strong focus on sustainably sourced materials.
The space has also included an important connection to the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and culture, incorporating First Nations language and iconography into design of communal spaces throughout the facility.
The new space will also offer “out-of-hours” access, allowing library members to use the library outside of standard operating hours, with facilities to be accessible from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 8pm on Sundays.
“Kirrawee Library+ is going to be an amazing creative hub for our community for many years to come, and we can’t wait for local residents to get down here and explore what’s on offer, express their talents and expand their horizons,” Mayor Boyd said.