QPLA Board checks out Ipswich libraries

Ipswich libraries have been doing some amazing things lately and the Board was fortunate to visit the region and check out a range of their excellent services. The new library at Rosewood offers hand-curated selections in The Marketplace providing a welcoming, easy to browse bookstore-style experience. There’s also a Makerspace which provides an interactive digital experience for all ages.

As you can see, there’s a large open plan ground floor which features a creative children’s space, a large fiction collection, public PCs, a Council Connect facility providing access to other Council services, as well as well-designed booths and seating. The mezzanine has a Local History room with an interactive screen, bookable meeting rooms and an events space, and the non-fiction collection.

The tour also included visits to Springfield library, the interim Children’s Library, Ipswich Central Library and the Karalee pod. We checked out library lockers, creative seating options a creative Christmas scene which was developed by staff using only material from their home, adhering to Council’s green policy, a huge Makerspace, creative meeting spaces, and a library pod which offers a 24/7 self service pod in a shopping centre where you can browse, borrow or return books, as well as reserve books online and collect them at your convenience. The tour provided the Board which much food for thought and we were grateful to the Ipswich libraries team for providing such a valuable learning experience.

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