The Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library is a new regional library and community hub located in Armstrong Creek, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The library officially opened to the public on Thursday, August 1, 2024[3]
[1] and is designed to serve the growing Armstrong Creek community.[4]
| Formation | 2024[1] |
|---|---|
| Location |
|
History
edit
The Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library, with a project cost of AU$21.864 million, began construction in 2022.[5] It is located within the Armstrong Creek Town Square and shopping precinct. The name "Biyal-a" reflects the Wadawurrung language, meaning "place of many red gums" and "red gums speak lots of stories," symbolizing the cultural heritage and natural landscape of the area.[4]
Funding
editThe City of Greater Geelong contributed AU$20.364 million to the project, while the Victorian Government provided an additional AU$1.5 million through the Living Libraries Grant.[5]
Facilities
editThe library is a three-level facility featuring:[4][5][6][7]
- A children's story time area
- A library service
- Accessible contemporary amenities
- Multipurpose spaces
- Outdoor terraces
- Creative spaces for community use
- A collection of more than 30,000 books and resources
Design
editThe building includes a water-thread narrative on the ground floor, capturing the First Nations culture and connection to the local landscape. The design and planning of the library involved consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.[4]
Name Registration
editWhile the facility is commonly referred to as Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library, it carries the registered title "Biyala Armstrong Creek Library" with the Office of Geographical Names. This adjustment was made due to emergency services' inability to list and search names with a hyphen during emergencies.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b "Construction is complete. The library is coming to life!". City of Greater Geelong. 5 June 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ "Armstrong Creek Library & Community Hub". City of Greater Geelong. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ "Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library officially open". City of Greater Geelong. 25 July 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d "City unveil Wadawurrung names for Armstrong Creek facilities". Surf Coast Times. 7 May 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ a b c "Key milestones completed at Biyal-A-Armstrong Creek Library". Surf Coast Times. 17 February 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
- ^ "Armstrong Creek library opening date announced". Ocean Grove Voice. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ "Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library set for public opening". Geelong Times. 26 July 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
- ^ "Council approves Armstrong Creek Town Centre Library name". City of Greater Geelong. 27 April 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2024.