Mount Barker District Council is considering whether or not to move the popular library from its current Dumas Street location to the up-and-coming Mount Barker City Centre and is asking community members to weigh in.
With help from economic consulting firm AEC, Council has launched a community consultation on the future of the Mount Barker Community Library, including its location and whether to increase or change services, facilities and events.
The library welcomed nearly 150,000 visitors in the 2023-24 financial year with community engagement in programs growing steadily, with nearly 20,000 people attending children’s programs, school holiday activities, and speaker events over the past year.
Ben Footner, the council’s Manager of Customer Experience, says popularity continues to increase.
“The ongoing demand highlights the need for a thorough analysis to ensure our library services are well-placed to cater to our community,” Ben Footner said.
Early concept plans suggested relocating the library to the proposed Mount Barker City Centre site, between Druids Avenue and Morphett Street but the council has since acknowledged differing community opinions on the matter and the need to consider factors such as accessibility.
Other site options around Mount Barker will also be considered, including remaining at the existing Dumas Street site, which the library currently shares with TAFE SA.
The four week consultation closes at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 25 September. The results will be reported back to the council in November 2024.
For more information or to complete the survey, visit the council’s Your Say website: yoursay.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/library-survey.
