A Redeveloped Library Celebrates Increased Patronage

Public libraries have evolved in recent decades to become critical places for connecting and building communities. Their services now extend far beyond book lending, with modern libraries catering to diverse demographics, interests and activities.

The City of Mitcham engaged DesignInc to redevelop the Mitcham Memorial Library to become a modern library and to reflect its progressive place in the community. This included providing accessibility for all ages and abilities, including a new youth area and a larger children’s area. New meeting facilities support business development and economic growth in the local community, and the co-location of the toy library supports diverse community needs. This is the fourth upgrade in the building’s history and continues to future proof the library for future generations.

‘Mitcham Council wanted a new, modern, and highly visible facility that would support the council’s community services and enable better community and cultural experiences for residents and business people,’ says DesignInc Associate, Michael Willis

The library occupies a corner site in Hawthorn, Adelaide, and faces onto a parkland and creek setting. The adjacent roads and heritage gardens restricted the expansion of the building. DesignInc’s solution retained and repurposed a large part of the original footprint and created a new layout with six main zones – These included borrowing, public computers, youth, quiet study/reading, main collection and children’s library, and the foyer/gallery located to the creek side of the building. The existing sanitary facilities were retained, and the design incorporated the existing low ceilings and roof structures contained in this zone.