Randwick City in New South Wales has recently added an outdoor area to the Malabar library, meaning that the smallest library in the City now has a vital new space for patrons.
The library, much loved by the local community and home to a toy library, a venue for Babies Love Books, Kids’ Club, Saturday morning story time, the Big Bang Science Club, the History Book Club and regular craft sessions, is frequently bursting at the seams due to the growing popularity of events and activities.
Staff at Malabar Library had noted significant increases in attendance at activities and in circulation of books since the library’s opening hours were extended in late 2010. As such, the small garden at the back of the library was identified as the logical spot to extend into for library patrons.
The area has now been enhanced with a shade sail, wooden bench seating and extensive landscaping with native plants, creating a pleasant space for reading, relaxing, or for running activities.
Randwick Mayor Councillor Scott Nash spoke highly of the new space, “Our libraries are important places for connection and learning in our community. This new outdoor space at Malabar Library is an attractive and usable space that will extend what the library can offer. It’s a terrific spot for children and other library patrons to enjoy.”
