Newcastle’s first new library in 30 years was opened at Wallsend in May 2006.

The library is in Bunn Street, Wallsend, immediately opposite the Wallsend Plaza Shopping Centre and next to the Merindah Child Care Centre. Bunn Street is a major stop for the suburban bus network.

The Wallsend District Library sets a new and high quality standard for library services in the Hunter region. It is a landmark facility consolidating the role of Wallsend as the district hub for the western area.

In March 2002, Council approved the implementation of a Library Services Delivery Model consisting of a central, district and branch library network. Council resolved that the first district library at Wallsend was the highest priority.

The new library services the suburbs of Birmingham Gardens, Black Hill/Lenaghan, Elermore Vale, Fletcher, Jesmond, Maryland, Minmi, Rankin Park, Sandgate, Shortland and Wallsend - a catchment projected to grow to more than 42,000 by 2013.

The first Wallsend Library was built in 1948 and was the oldest building in the Newcastle library network.

Aims of the new library

The Wallsend District Library aims to meet the needs and aspirations of the community by being a:

• Vibrant, interesting and exciting place projecting the future of libraries and information services
• Building of quality and permanence which residents and visitors will admire and feel proud of
• Building showing how ecologically sustainable design can be realised
• Hub of the community
• Safe, comfortable and welcoming facility for users of all ages
• Dynamic and adaptable place allowing for changes in emphasis and services over time, and able to accommodate emerging services and formats.

Design of the library

The library is designed to meet all current standards for library design including ecologically sustainable design.

It is accessible for all users including users with special needs. It has comfortable reading areas. Shelving height and aisle widths are in accordance with standards.

The design provides:

• A variety of spaces, with appropriate acoustic treatment and the right zoning of facilities for different user groups, allowing for quiet conversation, intensive study, casual reading and group discussion
• A style of fit-out which will not date quickly
• A high degree of visibility in and out, allowing people to see into appropriate parts of the facility, and for many people inside to maintain visual contact with the outside
• Low running and maintenance costs
• Integrated public art
• All of its functions on one floor level.

Library services

The new library provides:

• Greater access to electronic resources, the internet and internet training
• Separate children and youth zones
• Study spaces and quiet reading areas
• Multifunction room and heritage room with out-of-hours access
• Reader accommodation, including informal seating
• Opportunities for effective display and exhibition of resources of interest to the community
• Space for cultural activities of various kinds, such as author visits
• Facilities for lifelong learning
• More extensive public use of local heritage groups’ resources
• Distinct rooms for group discussion
• Improved facilities for children’s storytelling
• A distinct space for Young Adult services
• Self service check-outs
• Increased opening hours.