The new Mills Park Library, which opened in July at Beckenham, in the City of Gosnells, is a vibrant and modern space, designed with an emphasis on technology.
Mayor Terresa Lynes said community response to the new library had been extremely positive, with more than 2300 people visiting in the first week, 87 people signing up as new members and close to 950 items borrowed, including books, DVDs and board games.
“Mills Park Library is more than a place to borrow or read a book – it has free public access computers and WiFi, study and reading areas and hosts a wide range of community programs throughout the year,” she said.
“The library is at the heart of the Mills Park Centre, alongside existing facilities including a children’s nature play area, function rooms, a skate plaza, basketball and tennis courts, sports fields and a café, and a new all-ability playground is under construction opposite the library.”
The city has three other libraries and almost 70,000 library members amongst approximately 130,000 residents.
In 2021/22, the city’s libraries delivered more than 1500 program sessions attended by more than 21,000 young people and adults. These ranged from Move and Sing sessions for toddlers to Learning Noongar Through Storytime, as well as book clubs, craft and games groups, and language classes.
The $1 million project includes $540,000 funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, as part of the Australian Government’s plan to stimulate local economies and assist recovery from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new Mills Park Library is open seven days a week.
