Bunbury’s new $11 million Library has proved popular since opening on February 3 this year. Regional Librarian Sue Franklin reports that the Library last week achieved its highest turnover since 1974. More than 1600 people visited the library, with 53 joining as new members, with more than 3,300 loan transactions.
Average visitor numbers are also up with the new building compared to the old. The previous building averaged only 3000 visitors per week, while in the first week of operation the new library achieved 7000 visitors.
“Basically, this new Library is what a public library can be – a vibrant community hub, and generally, bublic libraries also experience increased use during periods of greater unemployment as people seek other ways to use unwanted leisure time.”