Parramatta Square’s Phive building to house library, council chambers
Library lovers are bracing for the unveiling of the $136 million cultural hub in Parramatta which will house 65,000 books and be part of the city’s “living room”. Take a look.
NSW
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Parramatta’s $136 million Phive building is slated to open on September 22 when it is set to woo visitors with thousands of page-turners but also be “more than a place to borrow books”.
“We believe this will become one of Australia’s favourite libraries – a place to enjoy quiet time or meet up with friends, study and discover,’’ Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis said.
“Our stunning new library will be the beating heart of Phive.’’
Also known as 5 Parramatta Square, the red-tiled building next to the Town Hall will also house the council chambers and performance spaces along with the library, which will include self-checkouts, smart book return shelves, digital literacy resources and automated book sorting machines.
There will be almost 2km of book shelves, 480m of general fiction titles, 557m of nonfiction, a quiet study room for 60 patrons and 317 public power outlets.
Story time accommodates 50 children and their carers.
There will be author talks and school holiday programs.
“This library is more than a place to borrow books – it’s part of Parramatta’s living room; a hub and learning centre for our community where all ages can find a space to discover, explore and grow,’’ Cr Davis said.
“The library is opening at the perfect time, with HSC and exams just around the corner.
“The library has been designed with comfort in mind to encourage our communities to feel at home.
“We want you to visit, explore, enjoy and stay a while. Our creative spaces will appeal to all ages, so everyone can work collaboratively, or study quietly.”
The library, which received $500,000 funding from the NSW Library Council’s public infrastructure grant program, will open on September 22 and add to the $2.7 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment.
“Parramatta is a dynamic, people-centric, connected and economically prosperous city that deserves this iconic building as a new vibrant symbol,’’ Cr Davis said.
“What is especially unique about Phive is the way we are connecting what people love and know about a library, with creative spaces, programs and activities that will take learning to the next level for people living in Parramatta.’’
The NSW State Library was also part of the planning and development of the Parramatta facility, which public library services manager Cameron Morley endorsed.
“Every CBD needs a high quality, spacious and multifunctional library space, and the new Parramatta City Library has everything from great collections, a wide range of study spaces, a children’s library and the types of digital facilities that are in high demand,” he said.
“Libraries were vital for communities during Covid and people are now flocking back to library spaces with a sense of optimism.”
Phive features 19 meeting rooms, recording studios, five function spaces and active wellness studios.
Phive will host an open house on September 24 and 25 before kicking off its school holiday program from September 26 to October 9.
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