Kiama Council’s new Gerringong Library and Museum (GLaM) was officially opened by Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, Kiama Mayor Mark Honey and members of the Gerringong Historical Society on 1 November.
However, the public will have to wait another month to enjoy the multimillion dollar project, which included funding of more than $1 million from the Federal Government’s Community Development Grants program, alongside State Government funding for the museum fit out and State Library funding for the library fit out.
The new building on Blackwood Street, Gerringong integrates contemporary design and technology with the original, conserved heritage elements of the Gerringong School of Arts to create a combination library, museum (with the Gerringong and District Historical Society), exhibition gallery and community meeting space.
Conveniently located at the centre of town, GLaM will be a hub for our thriving, creative Gerringong community.
“Gerringong Library and Museum is the perfect place for preserving our past, nourishing our present and inspiring our future,” said Kiama Mayor Mark Honey.
“Despite some delays, mostly due to COVID-19, we are pleased to be throwing open our doors before the end of 2021 – a bright moment in what has been a difficult year for so many.”
“I’d like to thank the Federal and State Governments and State Library for contributing funding to this important community project. I’d also like to thank the staff who have worked tirelessly to make this happen, stocking shelves and ensuring the space is open and accessible to all.”
“Libraries are a cornerstone of the community, a place where young, old and those in between can gather to enjoy not only a shared love of books and learning, but access to many other vital services and activities.”
“We are very much look forward to welcoming the public inside on 1 December and to seeing them enjoy this light, open and flexible new space for books, programs, exhibitions and technology,” said Cllr Honey.
GLaM offers more room than the previous Gerringong library, which operated out of Gerringong Town Hall. It also provides ample space to study, use the internet, work in groups, or relax in a comfortable reading nook.
“We’ve taken advantage of the extra shelving space by adding more than 3,000 brand new books to the collection,” Cllr Honey added.
The new library facility includes:
- Brightly lit double-height space with beautiful hanging wooden acoustic panels
- Comfortable reading nooks and study spaces, including desks and cushioned window bench seats
- Enclosed landscaped outdoor areas for individual and group activity.
- Multipurpose flexible spaces for library programs, events and workshops, as well as community use, exhibitions and meetings
- Public wifi, computers, printer and multimedia facilities
- Dedicated parking spaces and bike racks.
- 24/7 returns chute
The space is accessible to all, and anyone with Kiama Library membership can borrow books. See the Kiama Library website at https://library.kiama.nsw.gov.au for information on how to apply for membership – free to all Kiama and Shoalhaven LGA residents.
Speakers at the 1 November opening included Kiama Mayor Mark Honey, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, President of the Gerringong & District Historical Society (G&DHS) Helen McDermott and Bobbie Miller, a member of the G&DHS and former Library Manager of Kiama Library Service.
Funding breakdown
- $1,250,000.00 from the Federal Government as part of their Community Development Grants program.
- $250,000 State Government funding for the museum fitout from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
- $200,000 from the State Library for the library fitout.
