Ballina Library is preparing for its most significant upgrade in a decade, with major refurbishment works set to begin on September 1.

The renovations are expected to take around two months, with reopening scheduled for early November.

Mayor Cr Sharon Cadwallader said the project would breathe new life into the much-loved community facility.

“This project is about giving our much-loved library a freshen-up so it continues to serve our community well into the future,” she said.

The refurbishment will include new flooring, interior painting, an upgraded service counter, and modern, moveable shelving to improve functionality and flexibility within the space.

To ensure continuity of service during the renovations, a temporary library will operate from the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) beginning September 8, with weekday opening hours from 9am to 2:30pm.

Patrons will be able to:

• Pick up reserved items
  
• Browse a limited collection (adult and junior fiction and non-fiction, youth fiction, picture and board books, select audiobooks and DVDs)
  
• Return borrowed items
  

From Saturday, 6 September, the Mobile Library will be stationed opposite the Ballina Memorial Swimming Pool, operating on:

• Saturdays from 1pm–4pm
  
• Sundays from 9:30am–4pm
  

Meanwhile, the popular Read, Make, Play sessions will continue every Wednesday at the Richmond Room (located behind the library at 5 Regatta Avenue), while all other library programs will pause during the works.

Please note that the after-hours return chute at Ballina Library will not be available during the closure. Patrons needing after-hours return options can visit the Lennox Head or Alstonville Libraries.

Cr Cadwallader said the upgrade is being delivered in partnership with Richmond Tweed Regional Library, funded through the NSW State Library’s Public Library Infrastructure Grant and Ballina Shire Council’s Capital Works Program.

“We thank our community for their understanding while the work takes place,” she said.

For updates and more information, visit:
👉 www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au/Ballina_Library