The current premises will close for its relocation and final touches to its location next to Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Administration Offices in Vennacher Street from Wednesday, July 18, re-opening with a celebration from noon on Friday, July 27.

During the nine days of transferring books, equipment and other resources to the venue, returns can still be dropped into council’s office in Merriwa. 

A library return box will be located in the foyer area. 

The new big, bright and beautiful library will have separate areas for young people and younger children, disability access, computers, and an outside deck overlooking a park, with seating and a shade sail. 

An inside accessible toilet has been incorporated in the facility and was a high priority on the Merriwa Library users’ wish list. 

The library was funded with $117,500 from the NSW Government Public Library Infrastructure Grant Program. 

Council has also contributed to the area, which is almost twice the size of the current library, as well as providing $71,000 and staff expertise and supervision of the project. 

The colourful space will be officially opened by Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen and Upper Hunter Shire mayor Wayne Bedggood, with children and young people from Merriwa Create and Grow Preschool, Merriwa Central School and St Joseph’s on Friday, July 27, at noon. 

Upper Hunter Shire Young Citizen of the Year Tarnisha Windsor will give a Welcome to Country, too.

If you would like to attend the opening, RSVP by July 24 to the library on 6521 7007 or email kcone@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

The bigger and improved space will benefit not just library users but all community groups wanting to use the library to hold events. 

The design plans were created by staff, council’s Library Committee and the NSW State Library and put on public exhibition for comment in 2016.

Further information can be obtained by contacting manager community services Kerri Cone on 6540 1141 or library coordinator Elizabeth Walter on 6540 1185.