Bayswater Library this month celebrates its 13th anniversary in Knox.
It recently relocated to a bigger space (Shop 43) within Mountain High Shopping Centre.
Bayswater Library's Jane Ward says the branch prides itself on being a place of social connection, where people can wander in and find something of interest.
"We've put a lot of effort into understanding our community and what they're looking for in the library," she says. "As a result, we offer a wide range of social events. Many people are seeking connection, especially those who live alone, so we offer activities such as games afternoons and dedicated sessions for seniors.
"Now, we've got a beautiful purpose-built home for the library, with a study area and two small meeting rooms that you can book for free. They are really well-utilised for group study and people needing a quiet place to work. This new library has been designed specifically to meet the community's needs."
One of the library's biggest drawcards is its storytime sessions, sometimes attracting over 100 people. There are three storytimes a week that start at 10.30am, for families (age 0-6, Mondays), tiny tots (age 0-1, Tuesdays) and toddlers (age 1-3, Fridays).
Other highlights include English conversation classes (Mondays, 9.30am), a Reading Buddies program for primary school-aged children and their parents (Mondays, 4pm), Teach Me Tech sessions and Read Write Now literacy classes (every Thursday, 6pm).
Sheila Barta, who will be turning 90 this year, has been walking to the library since it opened its doors in 2013. Her daughter and granddaughter are also regular patrons. She explains what she loves about the library.
"I started coming to the Bayswater Library when it opened 13 years ago and it is a huge asset to the community of Bayswater," she says. "The staff have always been so kind and helpful, and the events they organise are marvellous. It's such a lovely place to make friends - it saved my life during lockdown. I come for Book Chat, Brain Games, Hooks & Needles, Mahjong and Rummikub, and it's something I always look forward to every week."
