Locals, community groups, businesses, Library members, volunteers, staff and Councillors joined Senator Debora O'Neil, Mr Jamie Chaffey, Federal Member of Parkes, Ms Jane Garline, Library Council Member, State Library of NSW, and dignitaries on Monday, 29 September 2025 to celebrate a major milestone for the Community and CBD – the new GIL Library Hub.
Replacing the existing Target Country Gilgandra Store, which closed its doors in June 2019. The GIL Library Hub has been a flagship project for Gilgandra, delivering on Council's core commitment to advance the Gilgandra Activation Blueprint.
During the official opening event, Mayor Doug Batten spoke to the history of the Art Deco building and the journey that brought us here today, ending with:
"Some six years following the purchase of the old Country Target building, I am extremely proud to say that Council has delivered a space of connection, play and learning. Today, the GIL Library houses over 20,000 books, a community living room, business incubator, multipurpose room, now named the Glenys Prout room, bookable rooms, and modernised youth space complete with tech and sound rooms, and community plaza."
Adding,
"Since re-opening in March 2025, the GIL Library Hub has attracted 225 new members, provided 11 new programs for youth and adults, hosted 124 activities and events, 39 community meetings, 230 bookings of the private room, and successful hire of the business incubator space.
"As Mayor, councillor, community member and a grandfather, I take my hat off to our library manager Liz McCutcheon and her team for the opportunities they are creating"
Senator Deborah O'Neill, Labor spokesperson for the Electorate of Parkes commented, saying:
"The GIL Library Hub has created a contemporary, vibrant, attractive and socially connected community space that demonstrates what can be achieved in regional areas when all levels of government work together."
"The Labor Government understands that libraries are often at the heart of strong communities. The GIL Library Hub will provide a place for the people of Gilgandra to read, learn new skills, enjoy a community performance or cook a meal. Most importantly, the GIL Library will be a place for the community to enjoy and to enjoy being together."
Council's GIL Library Hub Manager, Liz McCutcheon concluded the official proceedings, paying tribute to former librarian Glenys Prout. Announcing the naming of the multipurpose room to the 'Glenys Prout Room', in recognition of Glenys advocacy towards reading and early learning education.
"It is an hour to announce the naming of the multipurpose room to the Glenys Prout room. Glenys became the Gilgandra Shire Librarian in 1980 and was passionate about advocacy for libraries, reading, and early literacy."
Adding,
"Glenys was instrumental in securing grants that funded new equipment, service improvement and the 1996 refurbishment of our previous library building. She guided us through the transition from card catalogues to our first computerised system. In 2005, Glenys was part of the launch of GREAT Day - celebrating the importance of reading from birth - and she launched the Baby Book Bag program for every newborn in the community.
"This room truly reflects what Glenys believed in; the power of community, learning, and connection."
The total cost of GIL Library Hub is $6.41 million, and is proudly funded by the Australian Government Building Better Regions Fund, the NSW Government Regional Cultural Fund, Public Library Infrastructure Grant Program, Stronger Country Communities Fund, Your High Street Program, and Gilgandra Shire Council.
Council thanks all those who attended the official opening on Monday, 29 September and encourages the community, residents and visitors to experience this new community space - a place to connect, discover, and enjoy the many books, activities, and events on offer.
