Enhancements to library visitor experience

Barry O’Keefe Library will benefit from new furnishings, shelving and maintenance works designed to enhance the experience for visitors coming to study, browse and borrow, and for programs and events. 

Mosman Council was successful in applying for a Public Library Infrastructure Grant and has been awarded $183,305 to renew furniture in the downstairs study area at Barry O’Keefe Library.

The State Government has announced $6 million in funding for public libraries across NSW as part of the Public Library Infrastructure Grant program. Twenty-eight local councils will receive grants to improve public library buildings, spaces, and technology.

The Public Library Infrastructure Grants program is administered by the State Library of NSW on behalf of the Library Council of NSW.

State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said the funds would enable councils to develop or improve their services. 

“Public libraries are welcoming to everyone and are such important free spaces, providing services that nourish education, literacy, culture and recreation,” Dr Butler-Bowdon said. 

“Library building and space upgrades make it easier for more people to access the high-quality collections, connectivity and committed staff who work in NSW public libraries.”

The Barry O’Keefe Library study area refresh is expected to be completed around the end of the year.

Shelving in the adult area of the library is also being replaced, in works funded by Mosman Council.

The project will provide mobile shelving units, which can be reconfigured to suit a variety of layouts.

Work is expected to start either from early September or following the HSC, which runs from mid-October to early November.

Maintenance work to renew library air conditioning is also planned.