Nearly twice as many items than usual were borrowed from Spearwood Library on its first day of opening on 6 March, following a five-week closure for renovations.
People streamed in and out of the library all day, with staff kept busy processing returns and issuing 1,237 items compared to the daily average of 637 items borrowed.
The $280,000 renovation program included a redesign of space to meet member requests for more seating, meeting and quiet study areas, with new ergonomic library shelving, bright carpets, fresh paint and funky furniture finishing off the new look.
City of Cockburn Library Services Manager Linda Seymour said it was the first major refurbishment at the 42-year-old library, since 2008.
“If customers’ comments are anything to go by the refurbishment has been a great success,” Ms Seymour said.
“People emphasised the new meeting and training rooms, new shelving, welcoming layout and the colour and space in the children’s area, which was pleasing to hear.”
And what was the most popular item borrowed on opening day?
“Still books by a long way. Over half the items borrowed, were books,” Ms Seymour said.
Celsa McGartoll, who has been coming to the library for more than 15 years said the new-look library was a credit to the staff and project team.
“I’ve always liked the library but it’s amazing how it’s been transformed. There’s now so much light and space and many new comfortable seating areas,” Ms McGartoll said.
For information about opening hours at the Coleville Crescent library, and about the City’s two other libraries in Success and Coolbellup, visit our
website.