Libraries are in the midst of a high-tech revolution, and the new Dudley Denny City Library in Mackay Regional Council, Queensland, is leading the way for regional centres.
When doors opened on Saturday, December 17, library clients were dazzled by a plethora of technological innovations.
Deputy Mayor Amanda Camm said the new facility was far removed from anything library clients had previously experienced.
“From the Blade Returns technology, which checks books in automatically as clients place them on a shelf, to an emotive, humanoid robot called Pepper that interacts with clients – this space is a high-tech hub,” Cr Camm said.
“During our opening weeks young adults were able to attend robotics workshops where they could program some of the libraries’ small Ev3 and Spheros robots to play a game of soccer with table tennis balls.
“This facility also boasts the latest technological innovations designed to bring our community into the high-tech future.”
There is an interactive floor mat; a laptop vending machine; collaborative media screens that stream videos, presentations and more from mobile devices; a 3D printer and an interactive touch table that allows access to e-resources.
While the new library is a state-of-the-art, high-tech facility, the past is never forgotten.
The City Library’s Heritage Collection, which hosts much of Mackay’s recorded history, is housed in the new facility in a purpose-built, climate-controlled room.
The room is equipped with a short-throw projector, which enables an ongoing electronic display of Heritage Collection images.
Cr Camm said the new library had transformed the City Centre.
“This is certainly an impressive addition to the revitalised City Centre and we are seeing more than 1000 visitors a day – more than double that of the old City Library,” she said.
“The resulting foot traffic in the area will be really positive for businesses.”
The $8.5 million project was made possible after local businessman David Denny gifted the Dome building to Mackay Regional Council.
The Dudley Denny City Library is a joint initiative of Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government.
