Library and youth centre extensions set to start

Work will begin soon on a $515,000 extension of Amherst Village Library and SoundLab youth centre, to accommodate the growing number of users.

City of Gosnells Chief Executive Officer Ian Cowie said the library and youth centre would continue to operate during the extensions.

“The extensions to Amherst Village Library and SoundLab will enable the City to provide more services that better meet residents’ needs,” he said.

When Amherst Village Library opened in 2008, it was estimated about 60,000 visitors would borrow 72,000 loans each year. By June 2021, library staff were welcoming 133,500 library users yearly, taking out 177,000 loans.

The new space will be used for library programs and to improve the delivery of youth programs.

The project is expected to continue until April 2022.

The project cost will be shared by the City and a Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication grant, as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.