Steve Baldwin, Tourism Development Officer at Coonamble Shire Council is determined to prove that Quambone in Coonamble Shire has the smallest operating library in NSW. He assures us that before erecting a plaque to this effect he wants to make sure that his claim is accurate. The building measures 3m x 3m, making a total of 9 sq metres. Steve says he doesn’t consider mobiles to be libraries; obviously he’s not a librarian !

Cheers

Jan

Jan Richards, Chair ALIA PLAC

Even though I said we’d close this competition a few weeks ago there have been a couple of more entries I couldn’t resist so with elastic conditions our competition continues a little longer (especially as a couple have been in my inbox for a bit too long!).

Lynley Stapleton, Library Services Coordinator at the City of Joondaulup tells us that upon opening in 1997, Joondalup Library became the largest public library in WA, both in size and stock. Built with limestone to reflect the natural surrounding environment, the library has 3000sqm of floor space, meeting rooms for hire, a bright spacious children’s area and a youth zone. Joondalup also houses a specialised reference and local history area which is buzzing at exam times and well utilized by those who are addicted to the pursuit of tracing their family history. 

Enhanced with bookshop layout and subject groupings, the library received a fresh makeover in 2004, celebrated its 10^th birthday in 2007 and today has RFID, integrated patron self serve, wifi and free internet. The Library even has its own Book Barron “The Spirit of Joondalup”. Lynley urges all readers to call ahead and come up for a visit if you’re visiting WA.

Cheers

Jan

Jan Richards, Chair ALIA PLAC

Rosina Ainsworth from Bolgart Public Library in the Shire of Victoria Plains WA confirms that her Library is 9.48 square metres. It might be small Rosina but I bet it’s the heart of the community. 

It makes my smallest branch at Manildra (which I thought was in with a chance!) look positively palatial at 61.6 sq metres. Similarly the entry from Dianne Cranson Shellharbour City Libraries  of Shellharbour Branch Library, a re-purposed baby health centre 65 square metres is also going to be an ‘also ran’!

A bit over a week to go, keep those entries rolling in.

Jan

Jan Richards

Chair, ALIA PLAC

While we’re on the topic of library buildings (as in big and small!) many of you will be familiar with People Places as,although it is subtitled A guide for public library buildings in New South Wales, it is used as a planning tool for public libraries nationally and internationally. 

As part of the NSW Public Library Network Research Program a review of People Places is currently being undertaken and feedback from colleagues outside of NSW is being sought. A discussion paper  is available on the SLNSW web site . As a starter you might like to consider  ideas around additional information, usability or format.   You can  comment using the online survey until Monday 11 October or alternatively  contact project coordinator Leanne Perry at lperry@slnsw.gov.au or 02 92731523.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Jan

Jan Richards, Chair, ALIA PLAC