Council
28 September, 2022
Rupanyup rejoices new library
Rupanyup’s keen readers will cheer as the town’s library is set to receive a full refresh and refurbish within the coming years.
Rupanyup’s keen readers will cheer as the town’s library is set to receive a full refresh and refurbish within the coming years.
Yarriambiack Shire Council successfully received $578,163 of funding for the project this week and are setting their eyes on beginning construction in October 2023.
Currently, the Rupanyup Community Library, operated under the Yarriambiack Libraries banner, operates only once every second Friday.
Yarriambiack Shire Council mayor Kylie Zanker said that with this funding, they expect the library will be able to operate four days a week.
“The building is located in the main street of Rupanyup and this new space will further create and enhance a connected community, linking the Community Library, Main Street, Preschool, Shops and Silo Art,” she said.
“Developing a community library precinct with expanded hours of operation will provide a place where our communities across Rupanyup, Minyip, Murtoa, and Lubeck (affectionately and collectively known as the Dunmunkle region) can feel welcome, engaged empowered and supported.”
The funding is set to reactivate the old Shire Office in Rupanyup, which the library is currently runs from.
“The funding will redevelop the old Shire Office in Rupanyup, creating an interactive, community library precinct for the southern end of our Shire,” Cr Zanker said.
“Utilising indoor and outdoor space and zones, enticing people from diverse backgrounds regardless of age, gender, race, socio-economic background to utilise the facilities.
“This funding is a perfect opportunity to strengthen and support the Rupanyup and surrounding community with the development of a Dunmunkle Community Library Precinct.”
The library is set to become the Library Hub for the southern region of the Yarriambiack Shire and will provide opportunities for the surrounding communities to come together.
It is proposed that two separate indoor spaces are created, one for technology and the other to be separated into another two zones: a traditional quiet library space and an interactive and social library space for gathering and connecting.
“The spaces will create zones/areas where multiple activities can be conducted at once, such as story time, Pilates and relaxation classes, art and craft classes, information sessions and book clubs,” Cr Zanker said.
“Dare I say, this library space is “more than books” – it’s a hub and space for all.
“The redevelopment will provide access for people with disabilities, creating disabled parking, ramps, and accessible amenities for all abilities.”
For Warracknabeal’s Library Support Officer Monique Metlika, she has seen the social benefits of having a frequently open and safe library.
“A lot of young mums get together here, which is really good to see, and we’ve even had a kid’s birthday party here (recently),” she said.
“I definitely think (the library) creates a positive social environment. I think people are very comfortable meeting here rather than in their homes or somewhere not as secure.”
She said that library accessibility is important as it allows anyone and everyone to have access to necessary things “without limitation”.
“It benefits accessibility to resources, and especially the internet as everything is now technology based. It allows anyone to access it whether or not they have Wi-Fi at home. It’s one of the main reasons people come to the library,” she said.
“You get to explore authors (and genres) without the commitment.”
Cr Zanker said that she sees the new library space as an engaging and exciting place with open locations for anything, from books and classes to craft activities and shared learning.
“The new library will be developed to meet a diverse range of people’s needs. The early years children’s toilets, library reading area, and open space play areas, indoors and outdoors,” she said.
“This will encourage families and carers to utilise the precinct with children. Disability ramps, parking, and amenities will promote inclusion and provide for people who experience mobility issues. Wide open spaces indoor and out.
“The possibilities for use are endless. Who doesn’t love a library with more?”