Library Size

With the upcoming elections (tomorrow....bring it on) there has once again been quite a lot of comments about the location of the new library. I'd like to take this opportunity to point voters, potential councillors and other interested people to several websites that might help them understand why the decision to move to the Lake was made.

• Size -- the State Library of Qld has Guidelines and Standards for Public Libraries http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/info/publib/policy/guidelines/four which gives minimum space allocations for libraries with other branches, headquarters and mobile libraries. This guideline was used extensively by staff when preparing for the community meeting held last year
• Site -- Gatton Shire Council's website has access to PD Online which allows you to search for sites for various information including size. This was also used by staff to determine that the area near the fire station was not large enough for our future library. http://www.gatton.qld.gov.au
• Other library sites that are located away from the CBD. Do a google search on public libraries and you will see what is around.
• Other library services -- Have a look around (within Qld, Australia and the rest of the world) to see what services other public libraries are providing when they have adequate space.

If you haven't visited the library in the last month, you won't have noticed that the library has been reduced in size. This is to make way for the larger Lockyer Valley Regional Council. The current size is well below standard and as public, we cannot allow this reduced library to be 'our' library for the future.