New open-plan design for Beresfield Library

Beresfield Library officially reopened today following a major renovation with a crowd on hand to celebrate its flexible, open-space design.

Local kids and families as well as children from Beresfield Child Care Centre joined in the celebration, which included a storytime session with books, songs and craft.

"The library has had a real transformation," said Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who helped reopen the revitalised facility and was one of the storytime readers.

"The open-plan design offers plenty of space to study and relax, to read a book with your children, or to use one of the public access computers."

"It's a lovely space and we are excited to have this library back in service and available to the Beresfield community."

The renovation included roof replacement, remedial work to repair water damage, replacement of carpets and air conditioning, new electrical and data cabling installed for the computers, and a fresh coat of paint inside.

The new library space is bright and fresh, with improved access to collections and a brand new children's area complete with an interactive activity table and toys.

In response to community feedback, the library also increased the number of public access computers and will continue to offer free Wi-Fi.

Beresfield Library is located at 32 Lawson Avenue and library operating hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am to 5pm and Saturday, 9.30am to 1pm.

It is one of the nine library branches of Newcastle Region Library, which is funded by Newcastle City Council.