Brewarrina Shire Council is set to usher in a new chapter for the Brewarrina Big Sky Library after successfully securing $500,000 from the NSW Government’s Public Library Infrastructure Grants. The visionary project will relocate and revitalise the community’s public library, establishing it within the heart of the Brewarrina Visitor Information and Exhibition Centre.

General Manger for Brewarrina Shire Council David Kirby said Council had been investigating opportunities to expand for some time and was delighted to secure the funding to bring the project to life.

“Presently, the Brewarrina Library operates from a modest 70-square-metre site. While this space has served the community for many years, it is no longer sufficient to meet the needs or standards required for modern public libraries,” said Mr Kirby.

“This ambitious transformation will see the space for library services more than double at the Visitor Information Centre, not only addressing immediate spatial and functional limitations but also creating a welcoming, innovative and flexible environment, purpose-built for the community’s current and future needs.”

While design plans are still to be to be finalised, the revitalisation is set to deliver a tailored space fit for a contemporary library and community hub, including  areas for literacy programs and group gatherings, enhanced privacy and quiet zones, soundproof pods for enjoying music or audio books, expanded tech hub and flexible group activity spaces to cater for a range of programs like rhyme time, book clubs, or new community-led initiatives.

“A key highlight of the co-location with the Visitor Centre is the opportunity to further integrate cultural programs and dedicated display places. With more space, the new library will have the opportunity to provide more resources in language, not only enabling the community to access and celebrate local heritage, traditions and stories, but also showcase this to travellers.”

Council will be working closely with the State Library of NSW and design plans are expected to be formalised in the coming months.

Renovation and fit out for the new space is anticipated to be underway next year, with the relocation completed by the end of 2026. 

“We are committed to ensuring the new library is not just a repository of books, but also an important place for cultural exchange. A place where everyone belongs, and where knowledge, creativity and culture are nurtured and shared,” Mr Kirby concluded.