The new Munno Para Library Service is proof that financial constraints can lead to innovative ways of funding community services. Over 20,000 customers per month, over 30,000 loans per month and over 2,000 internet bookings per month are impressive statistics for a second Council library, only 18 months old and serving a population of less than 70,000.
Although the Civic Centre library was an impressive facility, Council wanted something that would appeal to the youth of Playford, in recognition of the demographic of the northern areas. With no spare funds to build a second new library, Council negotiated a long term lease with the management of a soon to be developed shopping centre. The library was positioned in 1,000 square metres of prime location adjacent to one of the main entry points of the shopping centre.
Rather than tie up capital funds on constructing the total asset, Council was only required to fund the fit out of the library. The lease payment is less than the loan repayments Council would have faced for a ten year loan. This has been one of those win win stories with the shopping centre gaining from the high standard “front door” tenancy and the library service gaining from the pedestrian traffic exposure.
But the big winner is the community which has a choice of two spectacular libraries with significantly different styles all delivered in a financially sustainable way through flexible asset management.
