Umina library may be rebuilt

Umina Library may be refurbished or demolished and rebuilt to meet library demand.

Gosford Council will investigate options for revamping the library building following its meeting on June 22.

The library is one of the busiest in Gosford City, providing services for nearly 17, 500 residents.

On average 350 people use the library each day and over 14 000 items are loaned each month.

The current building was built 20 years ago and covers 442 square metres.

According to the NSW guide for Public Library buildings, the library should cover nearly 730 square metres.

Council recently stopped leasing the tearooms behind the library, which has provided extra space for storytime, school holiday programs, seminars and other activities.

There is also some office space currently being used by the Peninsula Project Office and public toilets inside and outside.

In March this year, Council held community forums, consultation with the Chamber of Commerce and staff to get feedback on the future design of the library.

Issues to come out of those meetings included an upgrade of the public toilets, an awning outside the library, lounge space, increased numbers of photocopiers, a development application viewing area as well as a bike rack and seating outside the library.

The council was told that taxi drivers, people waiting for taxis, and people attending the medical centre nearby, heavily use the public toilets.

While the Chamber of Commerce felt that removing the toilets would be a good thing, council staff have recommended that they be upgraded with improved lighting and security.

The council has allocated $520,000 to redevelop the library over two years in the capital works program for 2005-2006 and 2006-2007.

Gosford Council staff will now prepare a report for Council outlining options for rebuilding the library, the availability of funding, opportunities for joint venture with the private sector, and for opportunities for the provision of external public toilets within the new facility.

Council agenda SF 012, June 22