A new study zone was officially unveiled at Bunjil Place Library on Thursday 5 December.
Wrapped around the beautiful windows on level one, approximately 24 metres of additional study space has been installed to fulfill a growing need for places to study at the City of Casey’s most visited library branch.
The Connected Libraries Facilities Development Plan 2023-2027 identified the need for increased study facilities at Bunjil Place Library.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said this project is a simple, cost-effective way to have an immediate impact on the ability for students and workers to study in a safe, accessible space.
‘Study spaces have become of particular interest to many library patrons who don’t have access to suitable study or work environments at home,’ he said.
‘The new study space accommodates up to 24 additional users at any one time.
‘The increase in study space will also free up other parts of the library, such as meeting rooms that are regularly converted into quasi study rooms, for other programming opportunities.’
Council received $14,645 in funding for the project via the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program 2023/24. Council contributed a further $10,057 towards this project.
'On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the Victorian Government for its funding and look forward to continuing to grow our partnership to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community,’ Cr Koomen said.
Connected Libraries Chief Executive Officer Beth Luppino said increasingly the community are looking to the library as an alternative space to study or work.
‘In 2024 we have had more than 325,000 visitors to Bunjil Place Library. We also offer free Wi-Fi, which is an added bonus,’ she said.
Caption for photo: City of Casey Deputy Mayor Cr Melinda Ambros; City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen; Connected Libraries Chief Executive Officer Beth Luppino; Member for Narre Warren North Belinda Wilson; and Cr Kim Ross.