Tara Murray
The Keilor Historical Society says a new outdoor lounge at the Keilor Library will take away from the fundamental use of the facility.
Brimbank council is planning to build a lounge at the library after recently receiving government funding, with community consultation currently taking place.
The council first proposed the lounge in 2014, but it has twice been delayed due to budget constraints.
Historical society president Susan Jennison said there were more important things that needed to be addressed at the library.
She said the outdoor lounge doesn’t fit in with the rest of the village, which they have looked to maintain.
“We’ve had to fight to keep the library,” she said.
“The library is open for less hours than the other libraries in Brimbank. They need to look at extending the hours and extending the collection of books available.
“There are minimal books at the library, especially on local history. It will not enhance the fundamental principles of what a library is for.”
Ms Jennison said she had been told community consultation, which was due to be held on Thursday, only gave residents the opportunity to talk about two designs and no general conversation.
She also questioned why they would look at building something outdoors when Melbourne’s weather was unpredictable and there is a park around the corner.
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said there had been years of consultation starting in 2014 when the Keilor office building community consultative committee was formed.
The council has no plans to extend operating hours once the new area was constructed.
“Extensive wider stakeholder engagement was also conducted at the time,” she said.
“During these consultation activities council received feedback in support of an expanded library and an outdoor space.
“Council is currently seeking community feedback over a four week period on the design and draft plan for the new outdoor lounge space.
“The new outdoor lounge will enhance the current library offering to the community. It will provide flexible learning, recreation and playful spaces that support a range of activities and multiple seating, study, creative play, recreation and reading areas.
“We are listening to our community and delivering on outcomes that will benefit all of Brimbank. I am very proud of this project and look forward to its completion and the benefits it will bring to the local community.”
