Name of the library: Craigieburn Library
Parent organisation: Hume City Council
Street address: Hume Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn
75-95 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn Victoria 3064
Postal address: P.O. Box 119 Dallas Victoria 3047
Telephone: 61393566980
Web : www.humelibraries.vic.gov.au www.hume.vic.gov.au
Library email: libraries@hume.vic.gov.au
Type of library: Public library
Population served: 39,891 (as at 30 June 2014)
Project type: new building
Size: Total public access footprint: 3,338.5 m²
Total building footprint: 4,040.50 m²
Total library footprint: 1,072m²
Date of completion: May 2012
Architect: Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT)
Description
In 2014, Craigieburn Library was named ‘International Public Library of the Year’ at a prestigious awards ceremony in France.
The facility, located within the Hume Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn, was given the award over libraries from England, the Netherlands and Denmark. The honour was presented at the annual International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) congress in Lyon, France and was sponsored by the Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen architects.
The committee of judges chose Craigieburn Library because it “distinguishes itself as a significant modern construction with a strong, recognisable architectural concept. With its open and flexible space, the library creates a democratic meeting place, open to diversity and interaction (and) is a good example of how Hume City has used a library to create a sense of belonging for all demographic groups as both a learning centre and gathering space for the city”.
The Hume Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn, including Craigieburn Library was a collaborative effort between Hume City Council and the architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp and provides a range of services under one roof. In addition to the library, there is an exhibition gallery, occasional care program, cafe, Council’s Customer Service Centre and a state-of-the-art training and conference facility. With a footprint of just over 4000 square metres, the centre incorporates the best of community facilities, the latest in technology, and advances in sustainable design. The building is a series of interlocking pavilions of varying height and scale. The two-storey central library reading space is flooded in natural light, while the lower ceiling of the children’s library creates a cosy area for little ones.
The facility uses locally-sourced earth as the primary building material, with rammed earth walls providing a natural transition from the ground into structure. The design provides a warm, friendly and sustainable facility that invites people to take advantage of the external shaded courtyards as well as the building interior.
The Hume Libraries service has been recognised not only for design excellence but for delivering exceptional services to our community. In May 2014, Hume Libraries was named Australia’s Favourite Library Service, receiving over 30,000 votes in a nation-wide search by the Australian Library and Information Association.
In September 2014, the Hume Libraries service was also the first public library in Australia to receive eSmart status. The eSmart initiative, developed in partnership by The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and Telstra, aims to increase cyber-safety and deals with cyber-bullying by changing behaviours. This means that Libraries’ staff can teach residents use technology in a smart, safe and responsible way.
Nearly 530,000 users visit Hume Libraries each year, and borrow more than 992,000 items. The Hume Libraries membership rate is 59.1% – well above the Victorian average of 49.1% – and proof that Hume City locals love their libraries!