Adelaide's New City Library

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This consultation has now concluded.

Check out the News Tab below for the outcome of this project.

Council is committed to providing the best library service it can. Our vision for library services is more than just books – it’s about providing a true community hub in order to promote participation, the development of a strong and productive community, the exchange of information, encouragement of social connections and adding value to other Council activities.

Council is investing in a large City Library in the heart of the CBD, capable of delivering an exciting modern service that fits within the future vision of the city. It will have synergies with other Council projects, in particular the Rundle Mall redevelopment.

Project Information
  • Read through the documents in the 'Related Documents' section on the right-hand side for background information on this project.
  • View the FAQs section on the right-hand side for commonly asked questions about this project.
Check out the News Tab below for the outcome of this project.

Council is committed to providing the best library service it can. Our vision for library services is more than just books – it’s about providing a true community hub in order to promote participation, the development of a strong and productive community, the exchange of information, encouragement of social connections and adding value to other Council activities.

Council is investing in a large City Library in the heart of the CBD, capable of delivering an exciting modern service that fits within the future vision of the city. It will have synergies with other Council projects, in particular the Rundle Mall redevelopment.

Project Information
  • Read through the documents in the 'Related Documents' section on the right-hand side for background information on this project.
  • View the FAQs section on the right-hand side for commonly asked questions about this project.
This consultation has now concluded.
  • Project Newsletter #3 - September 2013

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    City Library Project Newsletter #3 is out now!

    In this issue we talk about the community partnerships and programs, and many of the new spaces being created within the city library

    Click here to view the newsletter.

  • This is what we heard: Key themes and their responses.

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    We asked you to provide feedback on the project and to tell us how they would like to use the new City Library.

    All of your responses were analysed for their key message. The most common themes are listed, with verbatim quotes that reflect the range of comments received on this theme.

    Click here to view the report.

  • Project Newsletter #2 July 2013

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    City Library Project Newsletter #2 is out now!

    In this issue we talk about the key themes from your feedback and our future partnerships program.

    Click here to view the newsletter.

  • Project Newsletter #1 May 2013

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    Here is the first issue of our Project Newsletter for the New City Library. We will be sending out the newsletter on a monthly (approx.) basis to keep you informed of the latest information and the progress of the New City Library.

    This issue contains the Library Floor Plan, the many functions of the library, an artist impression and more.

    Please click here to view the first City Library Newsletter which provides you with an update on the project.

    If you would like to continue receiving updates on the City Library, please click here to join our mailing list on the Your Say Adelaide website (City Library page).

  • Message from the Lord Mayor

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    In 2011 Adelaide City Council asked the community what they wanted their library service to be. It was clear they wanted more than a traditional lending library. They wanted a place to go; where they could connect with other people and find out what was going on in Adelaide. The community wanted to learn and be inspired but they needed help to make the most of the internet and new technologies. They wanted to be introduced to the future, but stay connected to the past.

    People spoke of their ideal library as a village green or a community hub. They wanted it to be a place where everyone is welcome and good things happen.


    In 2011 Adelaide City Council asked the community what they wanted their library service to be. It was clear they wanted more than a traditional lending library. They wanted a place to go; where they could connect with other people and find out what was going on in Adelaide. The community wanted to learn and be inspired but they needed help to make the most of the internet and new technologies. They wanted to be introduced to the future, but stay connected to the past.

    People spoke of their ideal library as a village green or a community hub. They wanted it to be a place where everyone is welcome and good things happen.

    As a result of this feedback, Council developed a new Library Vision which puts our libraries at the heart of a strong and productive community. It is an ambitious vision, and we are committed to making it a reality through improved library programs and services.

    At the moment the city has four small libraries: in North Adelaide, Hutt Street, Grote Street and North Terrace. These are excellent lending libraries with popular programs, especially in digital technologies. But they are small, inflexible spaces that do not function as community hubs and have no room for expansion – they cannot fulfil the community’s vision.

    The new City Library will fulfil this vision, now and into the future. It will still be a place for books and information, but it will provide more space for people to connect to each other, to our city, and to ideas that will shape our future. It will be a welcoming place to relax and reflect. It will be a place to create and debate and be inspired. It will be your Place, and what happens in the City Library will depend on you. I look forward to sharing this space with you.

  • Council Announces new City Library in Rundle Mall

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    On the 25th March Council announced plans for a brand new, state of the art public library to be created in the heart of the city.

    Lease negotiations are being finalised for a large space in the 'Rundle Place' building, in the middle of Rundle Mall. The contract is expected to be finalised within the next month and once signed, work will get underway on creating the multipurpose ‘City Library’.

    The site will include a large space for events and exhibitions, a bigger and better Digital Hub that will provide ongoing access to new technologies, a number of public meeting rooms, a pop-up café as well as a dedicated area to explore local history.

    The library will also offer traditional services, including a large selection of books, magazines, DVD’s, newspapers and literature, and will offer extended opening hours in line with Rundle Mall trading.




    Adelaide City Council has today announced plans for a brand new, state of the art public library to be created in the heart of the city.

    Lease negotiations are being finalised for a large space in the Rundle Place building, in the middle of Rundle Mall. The contract is expected to be finalised within the next month and once signed, work will get underway on creating the multipurpose ‘City Library’.

    The site will include a large space for events and exhibitions, a bigger and better Digital Hub that will provide ongoing access to new technologies, a number of public meeting rooms, a pop-up café as well as a dedicated area to explore local history.

    The library will also offer traditional services, including a large selection of books, magazines, DVD’s, newspapers and literature, and will offer extended opening hours in line with Rundle Mall trading.

    “We’re currently finalising the lease, but if all goes to plan Rundle Place will be a great, convenient location for the new City Library,” said Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood.

    “Libraries of the future are more than just books – they’re true community hubs that are flexible and inviting, where people can participate, learn, engage and exchange information,” he said.

    “The new City Library will offer something for everyone, including businesses, residents, workers, students and visitors to the city. It will be a place for creativity and innovation, with cutting edge technology, inspirational spaces and functional, universal design,” he added.

    Council is investing approximately $2.2 million in setup costs for the City Library in Rundle Place, due be opened by the end of 2013. The area currently being negotiated is approximately 1,900 sqm; 700 sqm larger than the combined space of the existing libraries.

    Existing services at the nearby North Terrace and Grote Street libraries will be transferred to the new library once it’s opened. The Rundle Mall location is within 500 metres of both of these libraries and is well serviced by public transport and parking.

    The Hutt Street and Tynte Street Libraries will remain open to the public. To ensure continuing services in the South West precinct of the city, flexible library services will be provided at the South West Community Centre; staff will be available to assist customers with browsing the library catalogue and facilities will be provided for pick up and returns.

    “We have done extensive research, analysis and consultation with the community over the last couple of years about what kind of library service is needed in the future,” said Ms Sandy Verschoor, General Manager for City Culture and Community Services.

    “Council’s current libraries are at capacity and offer no room for expansion so the new City Library will offer a lot more space and flexibility,” she said.
    “It will also have synergies with other Council projects, in particular the Rundle Mall Redevelopment, as well as offer up exciting possibilities for events, such as the Adelaide Festival and the Fringe.”

    The community is encouraged to get involved  and help guide the services provided in the library and its uses to ensure it meets community needs and aspirations, now and into the future.

    Consultation will be open on Monday 25 March 2013 and feedback forms will also be available at Council’s libraries, community centres and Council’s Customer Centre at Pirie Street. Information sessions will also be held at the Grote Street and North Terrace libraries in in April / May.

    “We are really keen for feedback from the community about the kinds of services and uses that the new library should offer,” Stephen said.

    “Together, we want to enable the community to make the most of the new City Library – so make sure you get involved and have your say!”

    To keep disruption to a minimum, a staged closure of the Grote Street and North Terrace libraries will be carried out. More details will be provided to library customers over the coming months with exact closure dates.

  • Project Newsletter #4 - December 2013

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    THE CITY LIBRARY OPENS 7 FEBRUARY 2014!

    The fourth edition of the City Library Project Newsletter has been released. In this issue we talk about the Grote Street and North Terrace Libraries relocating, program highlights, where to find the City Library and ‘The Journey’ polaroid exhibition.

    The City Library is also featured in a Rundle Mall TV episode where we talk about why the library is so unique, some of the program highlights and digital spaces in the library. You can view the video on the right-hand side or click here.

    For more information on the City Library please visit adelaidecitycouncil.com/library or phone 8203 7990.

    For further information, click to view: