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It ... provides so much choice for people to work, learn and play.
- Chris Hill
BENDIGO Library staff and volunteers celebrated the first birthday of the redeveloped building on Wednesday.
The library has been a hit with residents, with staff processing 6,744 new memberships and 4,406 people reactivating their memberships by the end of last year.
Goldfield’s Library Corporation Chief Executive Officer Chris Kelly joined the library in June last year and has been heartened by the response to it.
“It is exciting to lead an organisation that is delivering important services to the community,” Ms Kelly said.
“It is such a beautiful space and provides so much choice for people to work, learn and play.”
Managers from outlying Goldfields Corporation libraries attended the event in support.
Lulu Cockram from Woodend said the improvement of Bendigo facilities had improved the outer region's facilities.
"They have been able to offer more programs which we can them promote broadening our range of programs," she said.
Susie Prestney said having a flagship library to consult with assisted in the smooth running of the library in Woodend.
Gisborne library manager Helen Doherty said she hoped the improvement of the Bendigo library would filter down to the library in Gisborne.
Goldfields Library Corporation Chair Cr Rod Fyffe said the modern, light-filled and inviting setting reignited people’s interest in visiting their local library.
“The contemporary design means the library meets the needs of many residents and, as a result, has opened up a world of information and learning for people of all ages,” Cr Fyffe said.
“Attendance at story times, an important early years literacy program, has grown by more than 50 per cent and the monthly Young Performers Showcase provides an opportunity for young people to develop performance and production skills.
“On average, more than 1600 people visit the library daily and anecdotally the average length of the visit has significantly increased as a result of the seating options available.
“The redevelopment has also meant about 66 per cent of visitors are using the library to attend programs or using the library spaces, rather than borrowing items and then leaving.
“It is wonderful people see the library as a destination and somewhere to spend quality time.”