$2.65 million refurbished space marks arrival of new Serpentine Jarrahdale library in Byford

A new chapter has started for the Serpentine Jarrahdale Library Service as it opens the doors to its new location in Byford.

The $2.65 million refurbishment of Byford Hall into a library was was fully funded through the Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) grant program.

Refurbishments to the new space included upgrading the building’s interior, public toilets and public car park, while the surrounds of the building, including the gardens and playground, received landscaping improvements as part of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s planned 2021-22 maintenance works.

New multipurpose meeting spaces will also provide space for the library service to continue to deliver its community programs.

The new library will also feature a dedicated makerspace for children and adult creative programs, while small business owners and operators can use a dedicated small business co-working space.

Shire president Michelle Rich thanked the Federal Government for the LRCI funding.

“It’s wonderful to see this new and reinvigorated SJ Library Service location open its doors to our community,” Cr Rich said.

“Shire staff from across our organisation have worked tremendously hard to see this vision become a reality and the shire is excited to welcome residents to a modern and comfortable SJ Library Service.

“The SJ Library Service plays a key role in activating our community and this new location will provide residents with space to read, study, work or connect with their neighbours in an enjoyable and convenient setting.

“I look forward to seeing our local residents discover their new library and create new memories in this amazing community hub.”

The library will be officially opened next month.

The shire’s mobile library service has also started, visiting Mundijong, Serpentine and Jarrahdale weekly. To learn more about the SJ Library Service, visit sjshire.wa.gov.au/community/library.