Now and Then ABC Open Project

The Campaspe Regional Library recently took part in a fantastic workshop facilitated by Benj Binks, local ABC Open Producer.  It was a wonderful day to reflect on what the library building has meant to staff, ex staff and library users over the last fifty plus years.  The Echuca Branch has been at the 524-528 High Street address since 1954 and will soon be moving to its new location in Hare Street.  The day was full of memories, photos and learning new skills to take now and then shots.  Some terrific stories were told on the day which were captured in print, audio and video.  For now the photos can be viewed at http://open.abc.net.au/projects/now-and-then-series-2-44un7gn/contributions/contributors/echuca+library+-+now+and+then+project+2012

This photo is a great example of a now and then shot, the 1906 flood is the centre photo with the current day all around it. We hope that more photos will be added to this collection, if you would like to participate please contact us on 5482 1997.

Regional Library Progress

Things are moving along very well with the new regional library in Echuca.  The latest project bulletin (No 3)outlines what has been achieved over the last couple of months.  The building is really starting to take shape and is still on schedule and on budget.  The bulletin can be downloaded from the Shire of Campaspe website http://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/

The focus is also on the landscaping and erection of the walkway canopies.  The concrete paths have just about been completed and the driveways for the library truck and disabled parking are looking good. 
The library website records the development of the project and will be uploading some more photos soon as well.

Lions Club generous donation

The Shire of Campaspe is very pleased to receive a very generous $20,000 donation from Lions Echuca and Lions Australia to purchase equipment and resources for the new regional library in Echuca.  The funding will enable the library service to purchase new large print and audio books to add to the collection, as well as provided much needed assistive technology for people with sight impairment.   It is planned that a dedicated area within the new library will house some large screen computers, keyboards and a range of video and hand held magnifiers will be available for library users to utilise during their library visit.  These resources will compliment the services the library already provides to people who have difficulties with their vision.  The cheque was presented to the Library Services Manager when she spoke to the Lions Club at their March meeting, then was formally handed over to the Mayor the following day by President Glenn Brotchie, Treasure John Meincke and Secretary Ron Johnson.  This is a wonderful partnership and the Lions Club are to be congratulated on the assistance they provide to so many in the local community and beyond.

Echuca Regional Library Project Update

It is a hive of activity down at the building site which is very exciting to see.  The steel structure is complete and brickwork has commenced.  The concrete paths will commence next week.  If you are in Echuca please come along and have a look.  The library team continue to take photos nearly every day and these are available as a slideshow on our library website.  The project is tracking very well, not even a bit of rain held up the progress.  If you would like more detailed information about the project there are regular project bulletins available from the Shire of Campaspe website or the library website.  Keep an eye on the Shire of Campaspe Facebook site as well.  http://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/

Regional Library Update

Echuca Concreting working on the slab, half way there

It has been wonderful over the last few weeks as preparation for the slab for the new regional library in Echuca has taken place.  The weather was particularly kind over the last few days which allowed all of the slab to be completed.  The next stage in the project will see the steel structure put into place, this may commence this week.  The project is going very well, is on track according to the timeline and budget.  Regular updates can be found on the library website www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library by clicking on the New Regional Library button. 
The current Echuca Library branch has just held its last day Christmas storytime on Friday with one more evening session to go this Wednesday 21st at 6.30pm.
A reminder that the Summer Reading Club 'The Amazing Read' has started for primary aged children, activities are a'plenty over the summer break so come into the library and grab your program or have a look at the list on the website.
Also a reminder that voting closes for Our Story on January 6th.

The completed concrete slab for the new Regional Library in Echuca

All libraries will be closed over the Christmas break and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January.  

Sod Turning Milestone for the new Regional Library in Echuca

Yesterday under blue skies, sunshine and our stunning backdrop the first sod was turned to signify the commencement of works and site hand-over to our builders Circon.  Paul Weller MP and Mayor Neil Pankhurst both spoke on the State Government and the Shire of Campaspe's commitment to the project.  President of the Friends of the Library Stella Moore spoke of how pleased the Friends were to see this day and that the new library facility will be highly valued and used by the community.  Stella joined Councillor Pankhurst and Paul Weller in the official duty of turning the sod.  The site was then formally handed over to representatives from Circon.  For regular updates please keep an eye on this blog, as well as Project Bulletins which will be available from the Shire of Campaspe website http://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/ The first bulletin which outlines the key milestones of the project is available now.  All library branches will also have them available in hard copy. 

We thank the many people that attended yesterdays event and we look forward to the coming months as we see the site take on concrete, bricks, roof and glass.  The next step in the project is to prepare the site including some landscaping works.

New Echuca Library

We are well and truly on our way!  Circon Industries have been appointed to construct the building and works will commence next month.   It is hoped that the new library will be completed by August 2012.   If you would like more information about the design please pop into the Echuca Branch and have a look at the design.  Our current library is about 350sqm, the new library will be 1300sqm so will be quite a change for library users and staff.  The library will be built adjacent to the Council Offices on the Cnr Hare and Heygarth Street.  It will overlook the riverine environment and will have paths and parking connected to the entry point. 
We will continue to provide updates of the progress with lots of pickies.  The image here is indicative of what the building will look like but please note there have been some changes to the external fabric so the end result will look a bit different but the footprint is correct.  This is the view from the river side; we are so fortunate to have such a beautiful setting.

On board with books

The Campaspe Regional Library is proud to be partnering with the Port of Echuca to celebrate a very significant milestone of a most loved and well known member of the paddlesteamer fleet.  The PS Pevensey is due to celebrate her 100th Birthday on 20th July 2011.  We are well into the 100 day countdown to recognise this special date and lots and lots of activities have been planned to celebrate.  The library is involved in four ways

1. Treasure Hunt, venture into the library and locate the answer to the first question on the sheet.  Treasure Hunt sheets are available from the Port of Echuca shop.
2. The Nancy Cato Readathon, read five of Nancy's books, write a review and then receive a special double pass to the Port of Echuca.  Nancy wrote the famous book All the Rivers Run which infact put the PS Pevensey on the world stage as the PS Philadelphia.
3. On Thursday 5th July we are having a special school holiday activity on the Pevensey.  Stories, songs and craft as we cruise along the mighty Murray.  Boarding time is 11.15, bookings are essential and cost is $9 per child/adult
4. On Sunday 10th July we are having another cruise but this time renowned storyteller Julie Smith will be sharing the poetry and stories of Nancy Cato.  Afternoon tea will be included, boarding time is 2.15 and cost is $9 per person.
For more information about any of these great events please contact the library on 5482 1997.
We look forward to seeing you there and we congratulate our Shire colleagues on such a wonderful celebratory event.
For more information about the other events please head to http://www.portofechuca.org.au/

Echuca Library Project - another milestone reached

We are now getting that little bit closer with the next stage in the process going live on the weekend.  The tender for construction of the $5.1 million project was advertised on Saturday via the Shire of Campaspe Council website http://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/
Detailed design has been completed, colours and finishes are being decided upon and car parking arrangements will the next thing to complete to ensure construction can commence in a timely manner. 
We are still working towards October 2012 for our new branch to be open, so very exciting times over the next 18 months as we prepare for the transistion.