How’s Kempsey Library renovation going? We’re glad you asked

Kempsey Shire Council

Kempsey Library Renovation October 2021

As one of the most popular facilities in Kempsey, the new and improved Kempsey Library will bring the latest technology and communal services to residents of the Macleay Valley.

Located on Elbow Street in West Kempsey, the Kempsey Library has been a safe and comfortable space for the community for many years and now library-goers are eagerly awaiting the completion of renovations to see just how great the improved service will be.

Kempsey Shire Council Manager Community Partnerships, Lyndal Harper, said works are well and truly underway and it has been exciting to watch the community space come to life over recent weeks.

“Despite some wet weather, there has been great progress made on the renovations and with over half of the interior cleared, it’s amazing to see how much space the building has, allowing us to start imagining the new floorplan taking shape.”

“Over the next few weeks, the front half of the building will be transformed including the new community meeting rooms and study pods,” said Ms Harper.

“Digging up the area adjacent to the Elbow Street entrance has allowed workers to gain access to damaged infrastructure such as crush sewer lines and blocked stormwater pipes, which is a well overdue for an upgrade.”

The replacement of the front courtyard is another feature to look forward to, providing the community an accessible comfortable area with plantings and a unique water feature seat to enjoy a quiet moment or to catch up with friends in an outdoor setting.

A Public Library Infrastructure Grant from the NSW Government and Council’s facility maintenance funding will refurbish the library, which will include:

  • redesigning and invigorating the children’s area
  • bookable private meeting rooms to make it more flexible and suitable for community meetings and events
  • developing the disused courtyard into an inviting outdoor reading and activity space
  • upgrading the youth space, providing improved study and technology facilities

/Public Release. View in full here.