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THE books are back in the library.
The move into the new generation Bendigo Library is underway with just two weeks before the doors reopen.
All collections have now been brought across to the revamped building with library staff and construction workers working side by side to put the finishing touches to the project.
Interim chief executive of the Goldfields Library Corporation Sue Howard said staff are excited to be back.
“The new building looks fantastic and staff are working hard to prepare the library for the reopening,” she said.
“The removalists have just been fantastic. They got everything over very quickly.
“All the books have been brought over from the temporary library and all the furniture has been brought across, we are just waiting on some component furniture and we can start installing the computers.
“After everything is in place the staff will have training in the new technology for the new self-loan stations.
“Staff are really excited. It is a beautiful space.
“There are a lot of opportunities for new activities and projects.
“There is also a lounge area and café which gives it a different feel.
“People will have the opportunity to experience a beautiful public space and anyone can come and grab a newspaper and have a coffee.
“I think the community will be blown away when they step through the doors for the first time – just like we were when we started moving back last week.”
Site manager Adrian Hall said the project had gone “pretty smoothly” although it has been a “big rush” in the last few weeks.
“It’s been a fantastic project to work on,” he said.
“It is going to be a great meeting place.
“The design is as I envisaged from the start.”
Library manager Vivien Newton said it is pretty exciting to see it taking shape.
“It is very different working off a flat plan to seeing the true life version in 3D.
“At the moment we are just putting things in place, trying to guess which areas people will use most. My bit comes next.”
The Bendigo Library will reopen on Tuesday January 28 with an official opening celebration on Saturday February 8.