In 1840 Geelong’s first library housed approximately 500 books in the back room of James Harrison’s Geelong Advertiser office. Customers were charged 15 shillings per quarter for borrowing rights.
Now the iconic Geelong Library and Heritage Centre lies fittingly in a bold dome designed to be both practical and aesthetic. The spectacular purpose-built space offers a range of facilities conjunctive of the needs of modern public library users.
The centre’s five public levels are contemporary and clever, with a mix of wide open spaces and smaller, more intimate zones. You’ll find all the library services you are familiar with, plus many surprising and innovative additions.
Award-winning Melbourne firm, ARM Architecture, completed the architectural design of the cutting-edge facility, while construction was undertaken by Kane Constructions.
The curves and shapes made this a complex job that required both creative thinking and innovative solutions. Despite the inherent challenges in the rounded shape of the building, David Purcell, project manager of Kane Construction, stated: