June has been a busy month for Shellharbour City Libraries as Oak Flats and Shell Cove libraries work towards major milestones outlined in the Libraries and Museum Strategy 2024.

The new library planned for the waterfront at Shell Cove has received a $500,000 funding boost after a successful submission by Shellharbour City Council in the 2019/20 round of the Public Library Infrastructure Grants.

Oak Flats Library will undergo a refurbishment with work to improve facilities and accessibility expected to commence in July 2020.

The Oak Flats Library upgrade will include a new entry with automatic doors and the provision of an accessible toilet, as well as better equipped spaces for activities, programs and technology.

The library will remain closed during the upgrade with plans to reopen upon expected completion in November this year.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said that the major boosts for the libraries were exciting opportunities to further provide residents with state-of-the-art library facilities.

“The $500,000 grant is the maximum grant available under the scheme and comes from a $6M pool allocated by the NSW government for library buildings and infrastructure projects,” Cr Saliba said.

“Shellharbour City has a reputation for excellence when it comes to libraries and I have no doubts that the Oak Flats Library refurbishment and the new Shell Cove Library will be just that.

“The grant funding for Shell Cove Library will be used to ensure the new library is fitted out with spaces, technology and furniture that support the community to engage in a wide range of activities; a place where residents can meet, learn, read, study, make or create,” she said.

The library will be a key feature of the new Shell Cove town centre and will be co-located with community facilities and a visitor centre. 

To follow the progress of these library projects, please visit Let's Chat Shellharbour. 

Customers of Shellharbour Village Library and Oak Flats Library are warmly welcomed at City Library, Warilla Library and Albion Park Library, while their branches are closed.

For more information on current library services, including what you need to know before you visit the library, please check the library website: libraries.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au or call 4221 6222.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008