More than 450 community members attended the Greville Street Library Opening on Saturday 11 October to formally open the new refurbished space.
City of Stonnington Mayor, Councillor Melina Sehr in her official speech, welcomed library users and the community to celebrate the library returning to its spiritual home at Prahran Town Hall and thanked the staff, community partners and everyone involved in bringing the beautiful space to life.
She fondly shared her experience as a child visiting the library and expressed her joy in joining in the celebration. Mayor Sehr also highlighted the importance of the library in providing a safe space for learning and community connection.
"This move is part of our broader vision to transform Prahran Town Hall into an arts and cultural hub – a place for creativity, connection and community" she said.
The library features seventeen artworks from Stonnington's Contemporary Art Collection, including an interior mural created by Mysterious Al as part of Council's Frameworks Public Mural Program, new outside mural by Hoffy, and other works by acclaimed artists Rennie Ellis, Scotty So and Polixeni Papapetrou.
After her speech the Mayor joined Councillors Humphries, Choudhury and Hopper, CEO Dale Dickson PSM, staff and guests for cake and coffee provided by local trader Pardon Coffee to mark the occasion.
There was a great community vibe, with both big and small kids participating in the free activities that included LEGO® construction, collaging, badgemaking, boomerang painting and outdoor play.
Storytime was a big hit with Mayor Sehr, reading children's books 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?' by Bill Martin Jr and 'Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes' by Mem Fox. Koorie and Jarwadjali/Gunditjama Elder, Aunty Titta Secombe shared her picture book 'Marngrook: a long-ago story of Aussie Rules' and stories from her culture.
Attendees had the chance to view a display of Greville Street through the ages and hear talks by the Stonnington History Centre staff on the history of the Prahran Town Hall and Greville /Prahran area.
There was also the opportunity to chat with Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers and get career advice from the William Angliss Skills and Jobs Centre representatives.
Comments received in feedback forms confirmed the event was loved by all.
"Thank you for the warm open day!"
"Wonderful to see investment in this important community resource."
"Super friendly, informative and engaged staff. Great success!"
- anonymously supplied
