The internal refurbishment is going to plan and the temporary closure is to allow Crow Constructions access to the entire site to complete infrastructure works.
Greater Shepparton City Council Acting Director Community Amanda Tingay says it is necessary to close the library so the works can be completed without compromising the public’s safety and enjoyment of the Library.
“As you can imagine it is very difficult to renovate a building and maintain full usage. To date the builders have been able to do a lot of the work by dividing the library in half and creating a safe work zone. We are now at the stage where we need to expand the work zone across the whole library to complete the works,” she said.
GVRL CEO, Kevin Preece said alternative arrangements have been put in place so clients of the Shepparton Library can access services during the shutdown.
“The Mooroopna Library’s opening hours will be extended and opening days increased to ensure continuation of all Library services. Return of borrowed items can still be taken at the Shepparton Library though the returns chute, at the Mooroopna Library, the Greater Shepparton City Council offices in Welsford Street and the Library Administration office at 79 Benalla Road during business hours,” said Mr Preece.
“People can also access the Library website and online catalogue on the computers in the entrance of the Welsford Street Council offices or at Library Administration offices at 79 Benalla Road and have books put on hold to collect.”
“We are also allowing longer borrowing time on books that people have out during the closure period. Free WiFi and computers are available at Mooroopna and there are public transport buses which can take Shepparton people to Mooroopna. In addition the mobile library will operate at some additional sites.”
“We realise there will be some short term inconvenience for clients but the result will be worth it. We are going to have a fantastic library that works much better for library users and will have some new features which will make the experience more enjoyable,” said Mr Preece.
The Mooroopna Library will be open from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm; Saturday 9.00am to 12 noon and Sunday 1.00pm to 4.00pm.
Story times at Shepparton library will be hosted at Mooroopna from Monday 17 November including Rhyme and Story Time each Monday and Friday from 10.30am-11.30am and Baby Rhyme Time each Wednesday 10.30am-11.30am.
The Shepparton Library should re-open on 15 December. For more information visit www.greatershepparton.com.au/library or call 1300 374 765. For information on public transport to Mooroopna please visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au for timetables or call Shepparton Transit on 5831 2150.
