Waverley Council investigates expansion of library services 

3 August 2022

Waverley Council has adopted a Mayoral Minute calling on officers to investigate the expansion of the Council’s library services including adding an additional floor to Waverley Library in Bondi Junction and establishing a new neighbourhood library.

Waverley Mayor, Paula Masselos, said the Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2022-2032 identified the importance of the library to the community and that its findings presented an opportune time to review, plan and enhance the services it provides such as flexible meeting places and a new satellite library facility that could cater to people who live further away from the Waverley Library.

“The library is a well-loved and used service with consistent and significant demand for its study and meeting places, as well as popular children and young people programs,” Mayor Masselos said.

“It often reaches peak capacity and as such, would benefit from a much-needed additional floor that would encompass an expansion of its services and facilities to meet demand.

“Our CSP identified key strategies for our library service including enriching people’s lives by providing a means of social and cultural interaction as well as providing access to emerging technologies and library collections in fit for purpose digital and physical spaces.

"The library is part of our Knowledge and Innovation Precinct which includes the neighbouring Boot Factory building in Spring Street which Council is restoring to provide a dedicated space for furthering innovation and knowledge in Waverley. Establishing digital laboratories in this precinct will have positive benefits for our community and local businesses.”

Mayor Masselos said Council has also resolved to consider suitable alternatives to the Bondi Pavilion for a Keeping Place to house important First Nations artifacts.

“It may also be beneficial for the report to council to consider potential options for a Keeping Place on country,” Mayor Masselos said.

In 2021, more than 212,000 items were borrowed from the library and 2064 welfare calls were made to members of Waverley’s free Home Library Service for residents who are unable to attend the library or carry items home due to age, illness or disability, and their carers, to keep them connected during the pandemic (see snapshot- above).

The Mayoral Minute unanimously adopted by Council at the July Council meeting was as follows:

That Council:

1. Notes that Waverley Library:

(a) Is a well-loved and used service with consistent and significant demand for its study and meeting places, as well as popular children and young people programs.

(b) Often reaches peak capacity and, as such, would benefit from a much-needed additional floor that would encompass an expansion of its services and facilities to meet demand.

(c) Is part of the Knowledge and Innovation Precinct.

(d) Staff are presently developing a new Library Strategy, which includes a digital component.

2. Requests officers to:

(a) Investigate the logistics of adding an additional floor to the Library, including compliance with the Waverley Local Environment Plan, using modern and lightweight materials.

(b) Consider options for usages of this additional floor, including the establishment of:

(i) Digital laboratories with associated technical and fit-out requirements to ensure stateof-the-art facilities.

(ii) Additional large meeting rooms.

(iii) Additional state-of-the-art study spaces.

(c) Consider options for a new neighbourhood library with a focus on meeting the needs as identified in Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP).

(d) Identify a suitable location for a First Nations Keeping Place.

3. Receives a report that:

(a) Details potential options for the third floor of the Library, including initiatives identified in clause 2 above and options for the new neighbourhood library.

(b) Provides a budget breakdown for the above.

(c) Identifies potential sources of funding, including from Council and grants.

(d) Considers how this initiative can be incorporated into the 10-year plan for the Library.

Council will provide updates on the potential expansion of library services as investigations progress.

To contact Waverley Library, visit https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/library or call 9083 8777.

-ENDS-

Media inquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.