Gordon White Library turns 20 with a snazzy refit

The library reopend to the public today but with some exciting birthday renovation changes

Lesley Gibson said she is 'very excited' that the Gordon White Library in Mackay has reopened. Picture: Contributed

GORDON White Library has reopened to the public but with a snazzy new look for its 20th birthday.

Mackay Council’s community and client services director Angela Hays said the library had received significant renovations while it was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“The 20-year-old carpet was ripped up and replaced, the interior has been painted and there’s new shelving, end panels, RFID self-service equipment, after-hours chute, self-service kiosks and booth seating,” Ms Hays said.

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Claire Grandcourt (left) and Shannon de Silva testing out the new booth seats at Gordon White Library.

She said the council also relocated the computer space and updated the layout of the collections and the children’s space.

Visitor Lesley Gibson, who was there at the reopening, said she was “very excited” to have the library back.

“There’s nothing like picking your own books,” Ms Gibson said.

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Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said council had jumped at the opportunity COVID-19 had presented to complete the long-overdue project without disrupting visitors.

“Hats off to staff – they brought works forward and have done an amazing job to complete a fantastic overhaul and reopen in line with stage two of reopenings,” Cr Williamson said.

The Gordon White Library at 54 Phillip St, Mt Pleasant is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm.

For more information, head to mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

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