Redbank Plaza Library, the smallest branch in the Ipswich Libraries family, has reopened to a wonderfully positive response after undergoing a much anticipated renovation.
The branch, located at Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre, is now a beautiful, light and colourful space with a mid-century modern look and feel. An increased branch footprint, flexible collection and seating options, and a vibrant children’s space have all added to an amazing makeover that is both attracting new customers and reinvigorating regular library users. In a partnership approach between Ipswich City Council (ICC) and with the centre owners, Retail First, function and aesthetic have been cleverly combined to create a real success in bringing a branch back to life.
The extra 80 square metres, provided through a negotiated agreement between ICC and Retail First, has enabled a brand new, modern and welcoming entrance directly from inside the shopping centre and provides the perfect place for the latest addition to the Ipswich Libraries signature Marketplace collection. On entering the library, customers are immediately immersed in the wonderful browsing experience that Marketplace provides with over 760 titles available. A few steps further brings customers to the Welcome Desk and the refreshed main library space where there are plenty of comfortable seating options for individuals and groups, a diverse collection, public access computers with print station, OPACs and a team waiting to help.
There is a bright and colourful children’s space with a beautiful bespoke display wall complete with reading nooks. Mobile and light seating options such as footstools and a novelty “bird” chair provide fun and flexible seating for children to enjoy the space with their adults. This multifunctional space will also be used for library programming, with a wall mounted TV, custom storage cabinetry and the option to increase the space by moving the mobile shelving that houses the junior collections.
Another exciting inclusion is the “Bub Hub”, a safe and secure enclosed play space for babies adjoined to a public access computer. This means that parents and carers can use a PC with peace of mind of having their baby right next to them, happy in a comfortable space. In addition, the refreshed collection of over 14,830 items is now presented in a style that promotes relaxed browsing with seating close by to sit and enjoy selections.
The experience has also been immensely rewarding for the Redbank Plaza Library team who have waited patiently, knowing how wonderful this space could be. The entire renovation process was highly collaborative, with a large number of internal and external stakeholders working together to achieve the best possible outcome. The partnership between ICC and the shopping centre was effective and the result is fabulous. The transition has been smooth and well worth the wait for staff and customers alike.
The increase in visitors after reopening has really demonstrated the importance of this branch to the surrounding community. The new internal entry to an amazing space is drawing customers in so they can make the most of the welcoming environment, flexibility in seating, an updated collection, access to technology and the brilliant new children’s space, all supported by a dedicated team. The renovation, to which so many contributed, has been an outstanding success.
Article provided by Gail Seeney and Sue Cicolini, Ipswich City Libraries
If you would like any further details regarding the furnishings and suppliers engaged by Ipswich Libraries please contact secretary@qpla.asn.au