Our new beaut city library

This post probably won't interest anyone other than locals unless some of my Northern Hemisphere readers would like to see some blue skies :-) Last Saturday our new $27m city library opened its doors to about 9,000 visitors. On Monday my son and I went down to have a look see and it was still really busy and the staff were run off their feet but were very courteous and helpful as library staff always are. Ha ha! I used to work in a library.

The tree photographed above is in the children's section and is huge as you can tell. I am sure the local children will love sitting around it reading a book. 

We took a walk around the building as my son was experimenting with my DSLR camera and there was this old chook trying to look as if her photo wasn't being taken. LOL!

 

As you walk into the library you are greeted by the welcome sign in different languages. We have quite a few different nationalities living in our region and a large number of refugees. I didn't like to take too many photos inside as it was quite busy as I mentioned so we picked up a few books and worked out how to use the new check out system. You just put your books down on a pad which is under the screen that shows you are logged in and the number of books you have on loan or are overdue etc. and then somehow the books are scanned while in a pile without each separate barcode being scanned. I have no idea how that worked and would have asked the staff if they hadn't been too busy. It was just amazing. 

On the way out there are two return chutes which only open up when the light is green. I wouldn't be surprised if the books are scanned automatically instead of having someone there scanning each individual book that is put in the chute. Goodness me, I can still remember the card system we had when I started working in a library. How times have changed!

Outside the library is a water feature which overlooks the Civic Square and stage 1 of that has been completed.  We walked over to the grassy area to take a couple of photos.

Of course, seeing as we are called 'The Garden City' there had to be a floral theme in the Civic Square.

Underneath the library on the western side is the Cycle Hub which I believe is where people who ride to work on a bike can have a shower before work. At least I think that is the purpose of it. I am not sure how many people in Toowoomba ride to work but I guess there must be some.

 

On the exterior of the building are 780 copper panels and the library opening was delayed after final inspections showed that the insulation behind them was defective and was a fire risk so the builder had to remove each one to remedy the situation. You can read about that here if you are interested.

 

After a good look-see we headed back to the car park. Before visiting the library I had rung up to find out where the car park was as I had no idea and the staff member told me and also mentioned that there are sensor car parks which can tell how long your car has been in the car park so if you overstay your welcome you will get a fine. I dare say that isn't in force as yet as I couldn't see any signs stating that fact at all. I guess that is to make sure people don't park there all day when they are at work. There are various time limits on different car park spaces. Just a little tip for unsuspecting locals. 

While on the subject of local happenings, the Toowoomba Farmers' Market which is currently being held monthly at the Show Grounds, is going to soon be held near the Cobb and Co Museum fortnightly on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month starting on the 30th April. Thank goodness that won't clash with our Simple Living Toowoomba workshops. It's all happening in our neck of the woods! It's a great place to live....at least I think so. 

Have a great weekend everyone!