A Library Planet post by Fiona Kells

The Mildura Library is housed in the Alfred Deakin Centre. The Centre, which was named in honour of Australia’s second Prime Minister, opened in 1997. Up until that time, the Mildura Library had occupied the nearby Carnegie Centre, a grand old dame of a building that opened in 1908 through the benefaction of American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. That building now houses the local historical and genealogical societies.

The Mildura Library’s present home is modern in design, light and open-plan. Its large windows look out on to well established gardens and the broad thoroughfare of Deakin Avenue.

This is a well serviced community library. All ages are catered for with a wide range of books, newspapers, magazines, music and films. Regular events include Storytimes, Lego Makers sessions, Yarn and Chat, Baby Play times and after school and school holiday activities. And every Thursday the Library hosts ‘Libraries After Dark’, a fun, free schedule of music, movie screenings, craft sessions, workshops and more.

Public access computers are available, as are printing and scanning facilities, and there is free WiFi. The staff are helpful, there is ample space to work and the seating is comfy.

It was a rainy and unusually cold (for Mildura) day when I visited, so I was happy to spend a bit of time browsing the shelves. There were a few other punters doing the same, or studying, and a group of children were enjoying a school holiday craft activity in the large children’s section.

I found my way eventually to the Library’s great local history section, where I happily delved. What an unexpected and fascinating history Mildura has!

One unusual feature of the Alfred Deakin Centre is that it contains an original canoe tree. This striking, central showpiece pays homage to the First Nations people who inhabited the area long before European occupation and who continue to be an important community in the region.

Dating from a more contemporary period is the big ‘Whirly-wind’ sculpture by local artist Dimitri Nickas out the front of the building.

The Alfred Deakin Centre is also home to the Mildura Visitor Information and Booking Centre, the Benetook Room conference facility, the Solunar Café and the Waves Aquatic Centre. I have never encountered a library co-located with a swimming pool facility before! The idea seems counter-intuitive, but this is a community hub and the more facilities cheek to cheek the merrier.

The Mildura Library is one of five libraries in the Mildura Rural City Council network. The Library is at 180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura, Victoria, Australia.

For opening times and other information please visit https://www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Explore/Libraries

< https://www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Mildura-Rural-City-Council >