Cowes’ new library will most likely be open to the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, once construction is complete in 2023.

San Remo and Phillip Island Libraries branch manager Jessica Berry said that would be just one of the offerings of the new building, which is set to be more than three times the size of the current library.

The library and heritage centre, which is due for demolition any day, measured 138m2, with the new one about 458m2.

“We have been talking with the architect throughout the process and we’re really happy with the design,” Jessica said.

“Because there will be more space we will have an increased collection – with a dedicated budget for a new collection, as well as multipurpose spaces, lounge, quiet study booths and it will most likely be open 24/7, like Foster is and like Mirboo North soon will be.

“Customers have to pay a security deposit and abide by a code of conduct but it makes it much more accessible to all the community.”

The staff of three permanent librarians moved out of the Cowes library at the end of September, when they packed all 9500 books into 80 cartons.

“We singlehandedly dismantled all the shelves. All up it took us about three weeks.”

She said they donated shelving to the Village School, while the books went to the Wonthaggi and Inverloch libraries.

Anyone now wanting to borrow books can do so online with click and collect, with the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) on Church Street open for collections (Tuesday 1.30pm-4.30pm; Wednesday 9.30am-2pm and Thursday 9.30am-1pm).

Otherwise, the San Remo Library, at 92 Back Beach Road, is open six days a week (9.30am-6pm, except Saturday 9.30am-1pm).

History

The old Cowes library and heritage centre were built in the early 1980s, replacing the previous library in the long-ago demolished hall in the main street.

According to a letter in 1980 from the then librarian, Kaye Stammers, Cowes’ first library was in poor condition.

“Besides looking old, shabby and in disrepair, it has been flooded several times, and has been host to mice, spiders and blowflies,” the letter states.

Jessica said at the time the library was built next to the shire offices, the population of Phillip Island was 3400.

“Our membership now is more than the population was back then,” Jessica said, adding San Remo and Cowes libraries have a total membership of 5355.

Jessica said the new building couldn’t come soon enough, with Cowes library’s monthly peak record of visitors 7000 in January 2020.

Customers not only borrow books and use internet services, but also take part in programs such as book chats and the school holiday program, and even hire surfboards.

“We had possums in the roof and plants growing through the bricks. It was being taken over by wildlife. We’ve been running out of space and had to expand our events program into the heritage centre.”

The $27.2 million budget to build the new Cowes Cultural Centre – including a 250 fixed-seat theatre (545m²), library, and a 92m² gallery space – was approved by Bass Coast Shire councillors at the October meeting.

Work is expected to begin in November, after the heritage centre and library are demolished.

Previously the shire said the new Cultural Centre would be open by December 2022, but it has now been pushed back to February 2023.