Since the 2022 natural disaster, the Lismore Library has undergone extensive works to be reimagined and rebuilt, making it stronger and more flood resilient.
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg recalls the iconic images of the sodden pile of library books that circulated globally and signified the devastation of one of the worst natural disasters in Australian history.
“Like many people, I vividly remember the disturbing picture of the large pile of water-soaked books outside the library reaching up to the second story. In total, 30,000 books were lost,” he said.
“The reopening of the Lismore City Library symbolises the city’s recovery and resilience with the restoration used to reinvent what operating in weather prone areas can look like.”
Construction is nearing completion on the Library project, with final touches being applied. Rebuilding, restocking and setting up a new library is a monumental task, one that the council’s library team has eagerly anticipated.
To provide the community with access to this important space, the library was softly opened from Monday, 3 February, allowing the public to visit while our team continues to restock and set up behind the scenes.
Some construction, including the installation of the lift, will still be ongoing during this period.
Once work is complete, an official opening will take place in March to celebrate the significance of this vital community space.
NSW State member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said it is wonderful to have the library back home.
“I know how much the local community has been looking forward to Lismore Library returning to this site because they kept asking about it!,” she said.
“I want to acknowledge Librarian Michael Lewis and the staff for the way they adapted quickly in the days after the flood to maintain library services to the community, and then set up the very popular adult and children’s pop-up libraries in the CBD.
“Now they have come full circle with this wonderful refurbishment, the restocked shelves, and the doors open to the community again.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the reopening of Lismore City Library is a powerful symbol of our community’s rebuild.
“Almost three years on, and today we see not just a restoration of what was lost, but a transformation that ensures this space is stronger and better prepared for the future,” Mr Hogan said.
“This is an important community asset. Libraries are more than just buildings with books – they are places of learning, connection, and creativity. This new space will serve people of all ages, from children discovering the joy of reading to students studying our rich history.”
The updated building blends thoughtful design with innovative flood-resilient features to create a space for learning, connection and creativity. The design incorporates flood-resilient ‘hose-out’ (instead of ‘throw-out’) elements, including nonporous epoxy flooring, elevated electrical systems and mobile aluminium shelving, each chosen to ensure the library’s longevity in the face of future weather challenges.
A community led approach underpinned the reimagined internal design of the new Lismore City Library, which caters to all tastes and ages. It includes dedicated spaces for children, youth, and adults and one of the largest Indigenous and family history collections in regional Australia.
The children’s area features a striking hardwood tree and colourful cushions, creating a magical and inviting space for young readers. Teens can look forward to a modern youth area with study booths, charging stations, and relaxed seating options. The new additional small meeting rooms, offer more collaboration and community engagement opportunities.
For Michael Lewis, Lismore Area Librarian who experienced the devastation first-hand and led the internal re-design, reopening the historic building allows all the temporary spaces to “come home”.
“The generosity of the Australian public donating over 100,000 books, along with the Community Infrastructure Recovery Package funding, allowed us to resume services within eight months, opening the Lismore Pop-up library and a community book swap in the Lismore Central Shopping Centre,” he said.
“The temporary Lismore Children’s Library was operational in early 2023 following a grant from the State Library NSW.
“It has been a surreal journey for our team, who are thrilled to welcome back our community to this incredible space with a newly updated collection, which we know will become a key attraction across the region.”
In time, the overwhelming support and messages of encouragement from people nationwide will be captured in a public art display featured on the library walls as a symbolic gesture of hope and connection.
The $5.6 million flood-resilient restoration of the Lismore City Library was funded by significant investments, including: Flood Restoration funds shared between State and Federal Governments – $4.5 million; NSW Government’s 2022 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Arts and Cultural Priority Needs Program – $135,821; 2023 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – $494,400; State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grants – $325,427 and Lismore City Council – $222,000.
An official opening event is being planned for March with a community open day featuring a range of events being planned for May.
