25 Nov 2016

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Hundreds of books were passed along a chain of helping hands as the Redcliffs Library starts a new chapter.

About 6000 books were shifted from the temporary home of the Redcliffs Library in the Redcliffs Tennis Club, to a new building, opposite the New World supermarket, that will officially open on December 2. 

The Redcliffs Volunteer Library Committee had called on the local community to literally lend a hand with the big move on Friday. About 80 children from Redcliffs School formed a chain about 250 metres along the street with help from about 60 adult volunteers.

Members of Ferrymead Rotary pushed shopping trolleys full of books across the road.

 Another eight four-year-olds from Moa Kids Pre-school wearing hi-vis safety vests stood with their teachers just in front of the new Redcliffs Library. Piles of books were passed from hand to hand and then put into place on fresh shelves.

 Teacher Shay Jenkins said the pre-schoolers were looking forward to attending storytimes in the new library. “We’re part of the community and we like to give our support. It’s also about taking responsibility and encouraging a love of books.”

 Motorists beeped their horns in support and waved at the helpers as they drove past.

 A chant quickly started up among the school kids, “Take one pass it on, take one pass it on”. Their excitement seemed undampened by drizzle but they were sometimes distracted by the titles of the books as they passed by, with Harry Potter books and David Walliams novels getting lots of attention.

 Ivor Malcolm, 10, said he was having fun. “We’re really enjoying it and I can’t wait to get the new library.”

 Redcliffs Volunteer Library Committee Member Tuula Rapley said the human chain was a way of involving the local community. “It makes them realise what an amazing facility they have on their doorstep. We wanted to do something different and to get people together and feeling excited about the new library. This is what works in Redcliffs and we’re really proud of it.”

 The library has been run by a team of volunteers since it was first established in 1914. The old building was badly damaged in the February 2011 earthquake and had to be demolished.

 The new council-owned library has been built on the original site with the addition of a reception area, meeting room and a small kitchenette. It will become a hub for the Redcliffs Village. Ms Rapley said the new library was in the heart of Redcliffs Village and would a welcoming and flexible community space.

 “We really tried to future proof the building for whatever people want to use it for within the community. We’re really pleased the Council didn’t give up on us and all credit to them for that.”

The building has taken seven months to complete with the work carried out by CityCare and managed by the City Council Facilities Rebuild Team. The single storey building was designed by Young Architects and cost about $1 million.