Good things come in small packages. Must be true as everyone is very keen to tell me about their ’small’ library (and they all look gorgeous).
Kate Hithersay, Library Manager at Derby Public Library was the first person to respond when I sent out my appeal with a question, did a ‘temporary’ site count? Needless to say I was intrigued and demanded more details. Kate explains:
Fitzroy Crossing is in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. It is located 2686 km north of Perth, 258 km east of Derby. Among other facilities the town once boasted the Tarunda Shopping Centre (where the Post Office lived), a dedicated Public Library and a dedicated Tourist Centre.
Then in July 2009 disaster struck!! The shopping centre burnt down. The Post Office had no where to go and apparently as a Post Office takes precedence over a Public Library (???), the PO moved into the library space. The library resources were packed up and put in the storeroom for the time being. However, the library members revolted at this insult and the library was forced to reopen in December 2009, sharing space with the Tourist Centre (temporarily).This once proud library has know been reduced to a space of 20.2 sq metres.
Good news though, the new improved Fitzroy Crossing Public Library is to re open towards the end of this year.
We’ll make sure Kate keeps us updated on that! Keep your stories coming in.
Cheers
Jan
Jan Richards, Chair, ALIA PLAC