BY DAKOTA TAIT
Lambton Library is set to reopen this weekend, following an extensive renovation.
The library has been closed for months for works to restore the heritage facade, while modernising the facilities behind the scenes.
Library members will also now be able to use their library cards as keys to access the library outside of staffed hours.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says it means facilities will be accessible seven days a week.
"Utilizing this new technology, it means it's also a community space," Cr Nelmes said.
"There are some resources in there, but predominantly, it will be able to be accessed by all of our library members and community for free, if they need to have meetings or gatherings.
"There's a lot of trust in that system, and there's also technology like CCTV cameras and the like."
Robert Watson is a member of the Lambton Residents Group.
He says the building has a rich history, but it's exciting to see it more into the future.
"Looking for meeting spaces, for things like garden club or a book club, and things like that, is significant around the Lambton area," Mr Watson said.
"Lambton's kind of a central part of Newcastle, if you like - sometimes I joke about the rotunda like the axle and all the other suburbs rotate around it."
The building was originally built to house the Lambton Council Chambers, until its closure with the creation of the Greater Newcastle Council in 1938.
In 1950, it was reopened as the Lambton Library.
Mr Watson says it's good to see the city's historic buildings, still being used as community assets.
"By any measure, that's an incredible success in having a library building and a meeting room available for that huge amount of time now," Mr Watson said.
"Most other things are closing down or winding back."
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| Image credit: City of Newcastle |
