Library assistant Anna Teasdale starts packing for the move.
Camera IconLibrary assistant Anna Teasdale starts packing for the move. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

New chapter in the life of city library

Sophie GabrielleEastern Reporter

The library building on William Street closed its doors for the last time over the weekend to facilitate the move to a new purpose-built facility on Hay Street.

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the new facility, expected to open in March, is the first major civic building to be constructed since the Perth Concert Hall was built nearly 40 years ago.

“Our new City of Perth Library will cover 3500 square-metres and showcase a range of features over seven levels, Ms Scaffidi said.

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“It will be home to our History Centre and include an exhibition space, collections, reading rooms, AV/multi-function rooms, story-telling zones plus virtual and digital resources.

“It has been built next to the Perth Town Hall and is accessible from St Georges Terrace via the new Cathedral Square precinct in the heart of the city.”

The library will include dedicated young adult and children’s levels, an outdoor terrace and a 90-seat multifunction room.

“Although books will continue to be integral at our new library, its new home will provide more space for people to connect with each other, explore, learn, create, reflect and participate,” Ms Scaffidi said.

Books borrowed from the 140 William Street premises have been issued until early March this year and do not need to be returned until the new library opens.