Naracoorte Library Redevelopment

NARACOORTE LIBRARY REDEVELOPMENT FAQs - 6 DECEMBER 2021

Upcoming key milestones in project delivery:

When can we expect construction to be completed?

Construction is now expected to be completed by the end of January 2022. This is approximately four weeks’ later than originally hoped due to building sector shutdown over Christmas and some supply chain issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When will the new Library be open?

The new Library is planned to open to the public on Monday 7 February 2022.

How will locals and visitors alike easily find their way to the new Library in Smith Street?

Customised and striking signage has been created for the redeveloped Naracoorte Library + Town Hall by Elevation Design from Adelaide and Hyland Fox Signs from Mount Gambier.

While the completed Library and Town Hall precinct will be clearly and simply signposted as ‘Naracoorte Library + Town Hall’, the signage will also feature a large capital ‘N’ to highlight its significance and prominence in the Naracoorte town centre. The ‘N’ will also be used on marketing materials.

Interior signage will align closely with the architectural interior aesthetic for the project, as designed by Brett Julian Architect from Adelaide, and new rooms and spaces have been named in collaboration with the Naracoorte Caves to link the town centre to South Australia’s only World Heritage site.

These will include the Alexandra Room, the Victoria Room, the Bat Cave and the Wonambi Gallery:

• The Alexandra Room - a community meeting room located at the front of the Library. This is named after the spectacular and visually-stunning Alexandra Cave at the Naracoorte Caves, which was discovered in 1908.
• The Victoria Room - the local history room located at the rear of the Library, the Victoria Room gets its name from the Victoria Cave which is renowned for its outstanding scientific value.
• The Bat Cave - the playful and engaging children’s area. Featuring stunning large windows to let in an abundance of natural light, the children’s area has its own disabled access and is located near the Library’s parents room. The Bat Cave at the Naracoorte Caves is one of only three known breeding sites for the Southern Bent-wing Bat.
• The Wonambi Gallery - a brand new exhibition space in the heart of Naracoorte, the Wonambi Gallery will present a changing program of exhibitions, ranging from local artists and collections to nationally-significant touring works. Located in the foyer of the Town Hall and accessible whenever the facilities are open, it connects the new Library and historic Naracoorte Town Hall by a linked space, creating much-needed upgraded disabled access to the Town Hall and upgraded Town Hall toilet facilities. The naming of the gallery is a nod to the Wonambi Fossil Centre at the Naracoorte Caves, which acknowledges the now-extinct Wonambi - a species of constrictor snake first identified from fossil material found at Naracoorte.

Elements of the customised signage for the project also have links to the historical use of the new Library building at 93 Smith Street as a printing press for the former Naracoorte Herald newspaper. The vivid cyan, magenta, yellow and black colours of a printing colour bar feature on the signage, with these strong vibrant colours also supporting a renewed approach to activity and promotion for the Library and Town Hall.

The Smith Street Streetscape of the redeveloped Naracoorte Library + Town Hall has been a hive of activity - why?

There’s nothing like making an entrance, so the streetscape of the new Library and Town Hall is a real showstopper! Out the front of the building will be bike racks, street furniture, signage and an eye-catching sculpture. The sculpture by Matt Hill, Shadow Sphere, is a glowing Corten steel sculpture which references an area of activity, interest and expertise - much like the redeveloped space. With its in-built lighting, it will create a point of interest on the main street at night, contributing to the activation of the town centre after hours.

What will be some of the most visibly significant features of the redeveloped Naracoorte Library + Town Hall?

• Starting out the front of the building, the front wall of the new library has been rebuilt with new stone to ensure a consistent finish with the existing stone, and some repairs have also been made to the connection with the Town Hall. A point of interest - the supporting steel frame between the new Library and Town Hall doorway weighs 500kg!
• The internal panelling in the new Library will consist of various innovative timber finishes to create a beautiful and functional acoustic insulation.
• The main walkway will feature timber flooring with soft carpet tiles to each side.
• There will be various feature laminates and other fabrics throughout to compliment the new colour palette.
• Bi-fold doors on the community meeting room will enable the space to be opened up to the main Library area or closed for meetings and other events.
• A significant amount of joinery work internally will be a stand-out feature of the new Library.

What facilities and services will people be able to enjoy in the new Library?

• The overall Library collection will house 18,000 items across children’s, youth, fiction, non-fiction, DVDs and other resources.
• The children’s area, the Bat Cave, will be in its own contained space with no through traffic to make it easier for parents and caregivers to supervise children, and feature giant picture book tubs.
• There will be a parents’ bathroom in the main Library area and the old men’s and women’s toilets in the Town Hall have been renovated.
• The Victoria Room will house video-conferencing facilities and the Library’s popular microfiche machine, and significant historical items will be housed in custom-built cabinetry.
• Brand new public use computers will be installed and made available in the main section of the Library.
• There will be reading nooks and a variety of tables, chairs and quiet or shared spaces for people to use.
• A self-check station will be installed so Library patrons will be able to checkout their own books.
• An external Library returns chute will be installed fronting Smith Street.
• There will be a new heating and cooling system throughout the entire Library.

What new programs are being developed for the new Library?

A number of new Library programs are being developed including a Lego club and after-school art club. Programs will kick off at the start of the 2022 school year. Existing popular programs will continue in the new Library including Maths for Under 5s, storytime, book club and digital literacy programs for seniors.

*As work on this significant project unfolds, the community is encouraged to remain up to date through Council’s Facebook Page and this Your Say page, where a forum is set up below for general comments.

• Your Say - yoursay.naracoortelucindale.sa.gov.au
• Facebook - facebook.com/naracoortelucindalecouncil
• Email - yoursay@nlc.sa.gov.au
• Phone - 8760 1100