Left: Ron Topp from Cardinia U3A in the new computer room.
By Danielle Galvin
AFTER 18 months of construction, Pakenham’s new library, hall and community centre are open to the public.
The $7.28 million dollar complex has been a long time coming, with residents using the temporary library site for the past year.
“It’s a proud day for Pakenham,” Mayor George Blenk-horn said.
With the library averaging 850 visitors daily since it opened a week ago, it’s no wonder Peter Carter from the Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation is thrilled to show off the library complex.
“People walking through the doors have been knocked out by what they’ve seen. Everyone is commenting on the look and feel of the library,” he said.
The building, on the corner of John and Henry streets, was the site of the old Pakenham Hall.
It was earmarked to be the home of the community complex since 2009.
The old library was built in the 1980s.
Ron Topp is the president of Cardinia U3A Inc. With two new computer rooms at his disposal, Ron says the council has done a great thing.
“The old site on James Street was miserable. It shows you what can happen when the community works together.”
The not-for-profit volunteer force provide tuition and training to community members looking to better their computer skills.
Ron says there has been a lot of interest in the computer training classes since the new facility opened.
“I always said that if someone wants to learn, I’ll find them a computer. Nine years ago, when I became president, I said I would change things. I’m proud of it,” he said.
The 84-year-old believes that the interest in Cardinia U3A will continue, and he welcomes the challenge.
“I don’t know how we’ll manage it! We’ve got so much interest already.”
The complex was a joint venture funded by Cardinia Shire Council, the Federal Government and the State Government.
“We’ve had about 2000 loans per day. I have to say staff have been great at transferring the books over from the temporary site. It wasn’t an easy task,” Peter from Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation said.
The complex is home to meeting rooms, music and art and craft rooms, as well as a dance hall and function facilities.
Catherine Van der Peet is a Gembrook resident who visited the library last Friday.
“I’m very impressed. I came down with two of my kids to have a look. We don’t have anything like this in Gembrook,” she said.
Cr Blenkhorn said that at night, the building lit up and was a spectacular sight.
“The library has a lot of good natural light. It’s energy efficient, and we’ve worked hard to make sure it caters for people with disabilities,” Cr Blenkhorn said.
One of the main attractions in the library is the interactive computer screens and lowered desks for disabled people.
“We’ve got room to expand when we get more books, and new stock coming in,” said Peter from Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation.
There will be a special ball held at the facility on Saturday June 16, starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased online www.cardinia.vic.gov.au
