Inverell Shire Public Library has expanded its services with the installation of three new private study and meeting booths, giving residents greater access to quiet, flexible, and confidential spaces in the heart of town.
The new facilities were delivered through $60,000 in funding under the 2024–25 Library Council of New South Wales Public Library Infrastructure Program and have already proven popular with the community.
The booths are sound-reducing units designed to seat one person, four people, and six people, respectively. Each booth reduces sound transmission by 30 decibels and includes adjustable lighting and ventilation to create a comfortable environment for study, meetings and online activities.
A major benefit of the project is increased privacy for library users, an area where the library previously had limited capacity. The booths are freestanding and required no structural building work, allowing them to be installed on site in just one and a half days. Each unit plugs into a standard power point, making the upgrade efficient and cost-effective.
Since their installation in mid-October, the booths have already been used 150 times, reflecting strong demand from the community. The spaces are free to use and can be booked by phoning the library on 6728 8130 or by speaking directly with library staff.
The booths support a wide range of uses, including small meetings, online appointments with service providers, job interviews, online training, study and exam preparation, audio recording and livestreaming events such as funerals.
Library staff have already seen tangible outcomes from the new spaces. Recent examples include a community member completing and submitting their thesis, crediting the quiet and uninterrupted environment provided by the booth, as well as HSC students using the facilities for focused study sessions.
The booths have also been used by a young man producing audio recordings for a creative project, highlighting their potential for emerging and creative uses. In addition, the spaces are hosting monthly legal outreach sessions delivered by the North and Northwest Community Legal Service, supporting confidential access to important services within the community.
Mayor Kate Dight said the installation marked a significant step forward for library services in the Shire.
“The installation of these booths represents a significant improvement in the services we can offer to the Inverell Shire community. With the support of the State Library of NSW, we have been able to create private, accessible spaces that meet a growing need for quiet study, online engagement, and confidential appointments. The strong uptake since installation shows just how valuable this investment is for our Shire,” Mayor Dight said.
Inverell Shire Council has thanked the State Library of NSW for its support and looks forward to seeing more residents benefit from the modern, flexible, and private spaces now available at Inverell Shire Public Library.
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