The Whittlesea Community Activity Centre and Library was officially opened on Saturday 18 October 2015.
The long-awaited library component of the project could finally replace the Mobile Library stop in Lime Street.
The library sits at the rear of the centre. The space is 250sqm and featured a collection of about 19,000 items when it opened. Special features of the library component of the building include a children's outdoor reading space, a reading lounge with a gas log fire and a media area initially designed for teenagers.
The centre includes two meeting rooms and the main Memorial Hall (with adjoining kitchen) can seat up to 200 people. The hall includes four Victorian Ash Architectural Trusses spanning 13 meters long and an impressive WW2 Honour Roll. Many local WW1 and WW2 Honour Rolls, certificates and other records are on display throughout the building.
In 2016 Whittlesea Library was the first public library in Australia to use an interactive robot to connect aged care and house-bound residents. It featured an ipad mounted on a Segway-style electric scooter.
In 2017 Whittlesea Library became a hub for The Federation Handbells, crafted musical instruments created as a public art project to celebrate the Centenary of Federation in 2001.
In 2019 the team presented a Rainbow Storytime as part of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT Day) program. The session with Drag Queen Annie was a successful event despite the loud backlash from a small part of the community which garnered media attention.
Also in 2019 The Federation Handbells, a public art project during the Centenary of Federation in 2001 found a home at the library to enable community access.
A shout out to the library’s volunteer Elaine – who since the library opened has been available for Family History Help each week for those who want some help breaking down a research brick wall or just want some help to get started. She was also one of several residents interviewed as part of the Whittlesea Stories Project.
Popular regular sessions for the community include Storytimes, Tech Help, Crafty Connections and a Justice of the Peace service. Rock and Roll dance sessions and Reminiscences sessions have also been part of the regular program.
There is always the opportunity to share memories, have a chat and get a reading recommendation.
The library team often work with the City of Whittlesea Community Development Officers and others, Whittlesea Community House, Whittlesea Boomerang Bags, TLC Aged Care Whittlesea, Whittlesea Secondary School, Whittlesea Historical Society and others on partnership programs and support ensuring something is happening at the Centre almost every day.
With the population forecast of the City of Whittlesea set to only rise, Whittlesea Library (along with little sister library: Mernda) will continue to provide a much-needed base in the local community for connection, recreation and relaxation.
Join the family birthday celebrations on Wednesday 27 November 4.30pm – 7.30pm. We hope to see you there.