The temporary home for the Bendigo Library will open to the public on Monday after the transportation of almost 70,000 books, magazines and DVDs to the new site.
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The former Bendigo Advertiser building at 96-98 Pall Mall will remain the library’s home until major refurbishment work at the current Hargreaves Street site is finished.
Bookshelves were rolled through Bendigo from one site to the other and a specialist moving company was used to ensure the books stayed in the right order.
Goldfields Library Corporation CEO Carolyn Macvean said the move had exceeded expectations.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant,” she said. “It has worked so well.
“It has all gone to plan, and some aspects have worked out better than expected, and that all comes down to the staff.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the effort.”
Ms Macvean said patrons could expect a similar service in the temporary site to the permanent residence.
“We will be doing things slightly differently but I think when patrons return they’ll be more than pleasantly surprised.
“And when we are back in our refurbished library, it will be beautiful.”
Mayor Alec Sandner praised the library’s staff.
“It’s been an unbelievable move due to the meticulous planning,” he said.
“It’s a good use of space which has considerably reduced the cost of renovating the library.”
Director of organisation support Marg Allan said chosen tenderer Contract Control Services would sign the library development contract this week and work on the site would begin next week.
The Goldfields Research Centre will reopen at the former Tea Rose Bakery at 202 Hargreaves Street next Wednesday, September 19.
