The City is also keen to understand why some residents don’t access library facilities and what they would like to see offered to make them more relevant in the future.

The City’s libraries are currently located at four key locations in Kalamunda, Forrestfield, Lesmurdie and High Wycombe.

Mayor Margaret Thomas said, “The City undertakes regular community satisfaction and service orientated feedback. The Libraries service always rates extremely high, having some of the highest service satisfaction in the City, along with that at the Walliston Transfer Station in previous surveys.”

An investigation is also being undertaken to examine the physical location and building designs to align with cultural and community perspective.

This is particularly relevant to the Forrestfield Library with recent planning and works in Forrestfield such as the proposed Woodlupine Community Hub and newly refurbished Forrestfield Hawaiian Shopping Centre.

There is an opportunity for new community infrastructure to be created incorporating modern smart technology – a one-stop community hub that offers a diverse range of services and is readily adaptable for a rapidly changing world.  This is even more relevant given the current climate with coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions and the significant challenges in conducting a physical only library services model.

Local businesses are keen to see significant investment in the development of this type of community hub.

Mayor Margaret Thomas said, “The City currently operates a very popular library service across four sites, however, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to meet the communities needs and expectations”.

“We want to make our libraries ‘the place to be’, a community hub where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the spaces, connect, access technologies and learn new skills.”

“We are very proud of our library staff who have continued to look after our community during the COVID crisis.  They have been providing an ongoing modified service, with books available for collection, audio and electronic books and magazines, uplifting virtual Rhymetime, craft kits to stave off boredom for the kids during the recent school holidays, ‘Mystery Bundles’ of books to entertain readers for long periods in isolation and more.”

“They really have showcased our values of service, professionalism and quality, with a large number of community members taking the time to write to the City and personally thank the team for their efforts.”

Residents and library users are encouraged to provide feedback on engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au before Monday 1 June 2020.

More Information

Find more information about the City Library services here or alternatively, please contact the City of Kalamunda on (08) 9257 9999, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.