Woden Library to close for three months as upgrade works start

Woden Library will close from 8 May to mid-August. Photo: David Murtagh.

Woden Library will close next week for three months so a major upgrade to its heating and cooling systems and renovations can take place.

But a pop-up library will be established nearby to meet members’ needs.

Executive branch manager of Libraries ACT Peta Harding said the library’s old gas heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning would be replaced with a new electric system.

Bathroom facilities on the ground floor would also be renovated, new LED lighting installed, and the study area improved, as well as the roof repaired.

“A variety of other smaller improvements will also be made, like additional power and charging points, more network hubs for public PCs and various plumbing repairs,” Ms Harding said.

A full closure, from 8 May until mid-August was required for safety reasons.

Ms Harding said the heating and cooling upgrade would support the library’s role as a place of refuge during extreme weather and make it a much more pleasant location to visit in a building significantly more environmentally friendly.

All facilities such as the HIVE studio, events, community rooms for hire and other services would not be available during the upgrade work but the return chute would remain open.

The pop-up library will be open from 13 May at 26 Corinna Street, behind Chemist Warehouse, Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5:30 pm.

Ms Harding said members would be able to collect reservations, return items during opening hours and take part in programs such as Story Time, Giggle and Wiggle, Geri-Fit, and English Conversation Classes.

“It will also be a warm location where people can relax and use their own device for work or study,” she said.

Public wi-fi is available nearby but the library is exploring options to have it extended into the pop-up as soon as possible.

“We know how important public libraries are to the Canberra community as places for socialisation, education and recreation, and will continue to provide this support at the pop-up location in any way possible,” Ms Harding said.

Library users can also visit the nearest alternative branches in Tuggeranong, Erindale and Kingston.

“We also encourage you to discover the full range of digital resources available with your Libraries ACT membership. There is something for everyone, such as access to Borrow Box where you can download up to 10 eBooks and 10 audio books for two weeks at a time,” Ms Harding said.

Libraries ACT will contact community members who have bookings at the HIVE or community rooms to discuss alternative arrangements where possible.

To learn more visit the Libraries ACT website.