The opening of the refurbished Tamborine Mountain Library in Queensland’s Scenic Rim has marked the beginning of its new chapter as a dynamic community hub with a range of facilities catering for all ages and interests.
The project, that has seen an almost trebling in size of the former library space, has been funded with more than $2.14 million from the Australian and Queensland governments through the Local Economic Recovery (LER) Program to support areas impacted by the 2019 Queensland bushfires.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the library’s move into its new location on the site of the former IGA supermarket within the shopping centre on Main Street was symbolic of the region’s journey since 2016 and the Black Summer bushfires.
“We have come a long way since 2016 when the need for a new library was first identified, and this new, modern space will be a focal point for the Tamborine Mountain community for decades to come,” he said.
“Council’s vision for the library was for a vibrant hub that not only held a wider range of books and electronic resources but also offered more meeting rooms, quiet study spaces, areas for children and young people, improved technology hubs with free internet and a place for the community to gather.”
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) said the revitalised and expanded library is a real showcase of what the LER Program is all about.
“Through the Local Economic Recovery Program we’ve invested in projects that support social and economic recovery, and strengthen community resilience,” Major General Ellwood said.
“Tamborine Mountain’s refurbished library is a significant achievement in the community’s recovery from the devastating 2019 bushfires.
“Libraries have a truly special place in communities as places of learning, connection and discovery.
“This refurbishment project is a wonderful outcome for the local community, delivering a facility that will continue bringing people together for many years to come.”
Assistance for this project has been provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
