By Jamie Salter
A new dedicated study and programs space, service desk and a foyer area have been completed at the Emerald Library after it underwent renovations.
The library, at 400A Belgrave-Gembrook Road, was closed for two weeks during the renovations and officially reopened on Friday 3 June.
The upgrades were made possible by the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, $67,600 from Cardinia Shire Council and funds from Federation University and the former Emerald Mechanics Institute.
A Casey Cardinia Libraries spokesperson said the upgrade was an example of state and local government working with public libraries and key partners to improve spaces loved by local communities.
“Our focus was on creating more space for kids and families to linger in the library, to refresh and modernise our foyer, to cater for people wanting to casually hang out and that tends to be our youth… to improve our accessible amenities and to repurpose the old meeting room to a comfortable study zone that’s more connected with the rest of the library,” they said.
Deputy Premier James Merlino said facilities such as Emerald Library were the main local connector for towns in the Dandenong Ranges.
“They’ve been so vital in the mental health and wellbeing of communities and will continue to be so,” Minister Merlino said.
A mural in the library foyer displays Emerald and the Cardinia Shire area in JRR Tolkien’s illustrative style.
The Living Libraries Infrastructure program supports projects that deliver benefits for the community and improve engagement and access to learning opportunities.
