A NEWS lounge has been set up at the Cleveland Library as part of a refurbishment.
The innovative World News Lounge enables visitors to have the latest in international current affairs at their fingertips.
The facility is located in the front section of the library and will house magazines and newspapers, have tables with tablets for public use to access news online and a large television screen showing news programs.
Mayor Karen Williams said the refurbishment was part of council’s library strategy, which had a strong focus on creating welcoming multi-use spaces and providing innovative services.
“The Cleveland Library World News Lounge is a one-stop-shop for current affairs and is open just in time to help people keep up-to-date on all the Commonwealth Games action in air-conditioned comfort,” she said.
Cr Williams said Redland Libraries had been looking at global trends and engaged an urban place maker for the Cleveland branch refurbishment to help create a flexible space adaptable to future change.
“Libraries are increasingly being seen as facilitators of community connection so in the same way that public open spaces provide a place to meet and socialise, the Cleveland Library refurbishment aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for members of the community to better connect, innovate and learn,” Cr Williams said.
“There is pressure for libraries to house many diverse spaces to accommodate people with different needs and uses, from parents of young children to small business owners.
“Council’s aim is make sure that Redland Libraries house liveable and engaging spaces that enable lifelong learning and literacy opportunities for all members of the community.”
The World News Lounge spade formerly housed the history and heritage section, which is not located next to the atrium near the genealogy area.
The refurbishment has also provided a quiet study space along the eastern wall of the library, a co-working area for meetings or social gatherings in the coffee-lounge space near the children’s section and a new collection layout with more books on display.
