Killarney’s Co-op to open community book exchange following Southern Downs Regional Council vote

Book lovers of Killarney can rejoice, with a book exchange service soon to begin at the co-op. Here’s how it will work, and when it will open.

Southern Downs Regional Council. Warwick Library.

Traditionally receiving their literary goods via a bus service provided by Southern Downs Regional Library, the Killarney community has been eager to reignite a library service for the area.

In an exciting achievement for bookworms, who previously had to travel to the neighbouring town of Warwick to access a full library catalogue and similar items, a book exchange is set to launch with the grand opening date set for Monday, June 26.

Killarney Co-op general manager Marissa Costello and fellow board members formed to put forward an offer to council to utilise a space at the co-op during community discussions and the decision was approved in May.

Killarney Co-op Board of Directors and Manager. Back: Scott Petersen, Dave Weier, Mark MauchFront: Kay Hancock, Chairman Andrew Peterson and Manager Marissa Costello.

“The (book exchange) is a free service to all ages of the community and will make no profit for the Co-op. It aims to provide an opportunity for the community to come together,” Ms Costello said.

“The exchange process will be quite informal and won’t require a library card to access the service. We’re also offering flexible borrowing options, with a limit of no more than four books exchanged at a time and ask they be returned promptly.

“Most of our book donations have come from the Southern Downs Regional Library, but we’ve also received some donations from members of the community.”

At this stage, no future plans have been put in place by council to provide the community with a full library service, as population targets and budget constraints prevent seeing any construction of this type occurring within the next five to ten years.

The community service is set to operate Monday to Friday between 8am-5pm and Saturday between 8am-11.30am, closing on public holidays.

Southern Downs Regional Library will continue to provide periodic donations to the community service. Anyone who is interested in volunteering or donating to the book exchange is encouraged to contact the Killarney Co-op.