Booked out

By Melissa Grant
THE Pakenham Library will move to a temporary home next month as preparations begin for two major projects in the town’s heartland.
The library will relocate in mid-August from its current location to portables in John Street to make way for an $80 million retail hub.
Work will also begin on a $7.1 million community centre at PB Ronald reserve to feature a new library and town hall.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson said it was an exciting time for residents.
“The concept of the new library is marvellous,” he said.
“It will be a state-of-the-art library with computer rooms, internet access and other modern facilities.”
The Pakenham Library will close for about a week in mid-August as the move takes place.
It will then operate out of the portables, located between the CFA running track and outdoor pool, for about 18 months while the new library is built.
Meanwhile, Woolworths is preparing to take control of a parcel of land at the rear of Treloar Lane where the current library is located.
A retail hub featuring a Wool-worths supermarket and Big W, food court and underground car-parking will be built at the site.
Casey Cardinia Library Corporation chief executive Peter Carter said residents wouldn’t be short-changed while the library operated out of the temporary facility.
There would still be 19,000 high demand items readily available, with up to 12,000 more available on request, as well as public internet access, WiFi services and space for story time sessions.
“It’s just a bit less space,” Mr Carter said.
Cr Pearson said the new library would be well worth the wait.
“The state-of-the-art facility will provide our residents with the best technological innovations, as well as updated library resources, in a bigger and better building,” he said.
Cr Collin Ross agreed.
“It’s an exciting time for young families with school aged children, and pensioners,” he said.
“The new library will provide more books and services for kids right through their schooling years and for pensioners who use the facility.”
The library’s operating hours will remain the same at the temporary location: 10am to 6pm on Monday, Tuesday and Friday; 10am to 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday; and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.