To quote J K Rowling: “When in doubt, go to the library”, and that is exactly what thousands of Ipswich residents did during the opening weekend of the new Springfield Central Library.
The launch of the $2.8 million facility was an outstanding success with more than 4,000 items checked out on Saturday and Sunday.
Ipswich City Council Arts, Social Development and Community Engagement Department chief operating officer Caroline McMahon said the community clearly loved their new library.
“Even before the doors opened a large crowd had gathered from early Saturday morning and this did not abate during the day,” she said.
“It was such a tremendous family atmosphere on Saturday that many returned on Sunday to enjoy the relaxed space and activities.”
Caroline McMahon said 492 new borrowers were registered across the weekend.
“This represents a two per cent increase citywide in the number of members,” she said.
“By comparison Ipswich Central library recorded 88 new memberships in the same period.
“Of further interest is the wide range of ages signing up at Springfield Central.
“The oldest new members are a husband and wife both born in 1939, while the youngest member was only born in July this year.”
The new library is on the corner of Main Street and Sirius Drive, Springfield Central.
It features a main collection area, market place selection, public access computers, children’s space, parents’ room, event spaces, public meeting rooms, training room, smart lockers, makerspace and modern library resources.
There’s more information online here
New borrowers Springfield Central
New borrowers Ipswich Central
Items checked out in two days at Springfield Central
Turn over a new leaf
