Long-awaited community book exchanges opens to public

The long-awaited opening of the Killarney Co-op book exchange brought many community and council representatives to the momentous event, with the community's pleas for a full library not forgotten. Read how the event unfolded.

Community members taking their first browse through the collections at Killarney Co-op's Book Exchange.

Killarney residents will now have access to different worlds, stories and tales after the special opening of the town’s book exchange following months of determined petitioning.

Killarney Co-op Association chairman Andrew Peterson officially opened the library simulated book exchange to residents, alongside general manager Marissa Costella, highlighting the joyous outcome of their joint perseverance to council during his testimonial.

“We recognise the importance of bringing joy to reading and access to literature to our community,” Mr Peterson said.

“It’s a testament to our commitment to go beyond the boundaries of convenience and self-interest, and instead focus on the collective wellbeing of our town.”

Southern Downs Regional Council deputy mayor Ross Bartley, councillors Andrew Gale, Stephen Tancred and council’s director of customer and organisational services Leon Love also took part in the opening.

“The Co-op were very generous and gracious to give up this space to be of help to the community,” Mr Bartley said.

“It will be a great asset for the community, they’ve told us what they want.

“If things work out in the future, then who knows. Never say never, this is here now.”

Community members taking their first browse through the collections at Killarney Co-op's Book Exchange.

The dedicated efforts of community book exchange lobbyists Ann Ragh, Nadine Horneman and Marg Murphy weren’t forgotten, with a special acknowledgment from council.

“We have put a big effort into trying to get this going and the feedback from the survey, from when we sat outside the Co-op was a big help,” Mrs Ragh said.

“For people with mobility scooters it’s going to be a big help to get in and get their books, and a lot of the oldies don’t like to do things online, so this going to be great.”

With no future plans in the works for council to build a full library in Killarney, this hasn’t deterred the strong will of passionate community members.

“We will keep on (council) for a proper library though, we’re not going to let them off that lightly,” Mrs Ragh said.