By Dominique Tassell
Locals have expressed mixed opinions over the plan for Stanthorpe Library during the upcoming construction period.
The Stanthorpe Library will close its current location at 6 pm on Friday 12 August and reopen its doors at 10 am on Monday 29 August at 61 Marsh Street.
Local John Fraser stated “I have no idea how this travesty has occurred but it sounds as if planning for the expanded Library/Art Gallery project has been conducted by dumb and dumber”.
He said that the location at Marsh Street is a “token presence”.
“In reality, this means a closure to regular library goers.”
“As a regular user, I can say that I would be distraught if the library was closed for two months,’ John said. “It is totally unacceptable that it is closed for the (minimum) six months to two years.”
John said he will be lodging a complaint with the Council.
Another local stated took a different view, stating that “I think that in the circumstances the library is doing the very best they can given that they have limited space”.
“Yes we will have more books available to browse for a while, but it gives me a good excuse to go online and explore their huge range of ebooks and audiobooks.
“I also think they’ll be doing a really great job getting what we ask for.
“We only have to go and ask about it and I know that they can go and find it for us and bring it to us so I’m not worried.
“I think the staff will continue to do an excellent job.”
Other locals have expressed concern over the availability of books for the elderly, who may not be as comfortable using technology, and children who rely on the library given there is no designated bookstore in town.
Cr Stephen Tancred stated that “during the pandemic, we ran a library service that was contactless”.
“People could phone up or order online.
“What we’re offering now is a lot better than that,” he said. “People can be helped to order their books online.”
“The service is better than what we had in the pandemic.
“There won’t be a very big delay and there could be teething problems but we still want a service.”
“The library does more than books and we’ll try to keep that going.”
Cr Cameron Gow said that his understanding was that Council staff have been working closely with the gallery and library to make sure there is a service.”
He mentioned the Council’s library truck, stating “we do try to provide as much of a service as we can”.
“We can reasonably acknowledge that there will be some disruption while the upgrade is worked on,” he said. “But it will be bigger and better afterwards.”
