The changing face of public libraries in Australia was revealed on Saturday 24 August 2024 with the opening of the state-of-the-art Windale Hub, bilyabayi, in Lake Macquarie.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the new facility was designed to be a “lounge-room for the community” – a far cry from the traditional aisles-of-books layout.
“We’ve embraced a new approach to the building’s design and function, with a much more open-plan feel, vibrant and interactive spaces and some really impressive technology,” she said.
“Windale Hub, bilyabayi, demonstrates our commitment to providing modern and innovative library and community spaces for the Lake Mac community.”
The new site opens its doors to the public on Saturday 24 August with a community celebration planned from 9am-2pm.
Features of the new Windale Hub include a new collection of books, digital media and materials to cater to the diverse interests and needs of the community, multiple meeting rooms, a recording studio, an engaging children’s area with tiered seating for lounging and reading and a new community hall.
“The whole building is a showcase of our push towards eco-friendly design and practice,” Cr Fraser said.
“We’re working behind the scenes to see Windale Hub become one of the first ‘Green 4-Star Certified’ facilities in our city.”
The new site will also accommodate Lake Mac’s Fab Lab digital fabrication lab, which until now has been based at Swansea.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said Windale was more suitable, with a tailored Fab Lab space and a more central location in the LGA.
“I’m so excited about the opportunities the Fab Lab and the Windale Hub as a whole will bring,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to the positive impact it will have on the local community, from preschool kids learning to read, to seniors seeking opportunities to socialise, and everyone in between.”
The new building features soaring, slanted ceilings, with a huge public artwork hanging from above.
The artwork, titled Yamuloong, is a collaboration of local Aboriginal artist Saretta Fielding and Sydney-based Jade Oakley.
It represents people and place, and its colours reflect the local earth and waterways.
“A significant proportion of the Windale community is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and this artwork answers the call to bring a First Nations presence into the Windale Hub, bilyabayi,” Ms Hemsley said.
“Each small mobile within the artwork represents a person, and combined they represent the community coming together around the gathering circle.”
The facility also features a custom-made return chute made by Codewise featuring artwork by local artist Jodie Reynolds, a proud Kamilaroi woman.
The dual name of bilyabayi is an Awabakal word meaning ‘valley’, a nod to the area’s low-lying geography.
Regular operating hours, which begin from Monday 26 August, will see the hub open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-noon.
Ms Hemsley said the community hall was available for booking outside library hours.
Go to library.lakemac.com.au for more information.