Excitement in the air as Lismore library re-opens

The Lismore Library, a cherished landmark on Magellan Street, Lismore, welcomed the community back on Monday, 3 February 2025, following a significant rebuild and refurbishment prompted by the catastrophic floods of 2022. While the final touches are still being applied to this vital cultural hub, the reopening brings a renewed sense of hope and excitement to both the staff and the community. Fortunately the recent floods did not damage the new library.

Pictured above: Area Librarian Michael Lewis, Mayor Steve Krieg, State MP Janelle Saffin and Library Patron. (photo courtesy of Lismore City Council)

The renovation project is designed to meticulously restore the library to its former glory, while significantly enhancing its structural integrity and resilience against flooding. This ambitious undertaking includes the installation of a state-of-the-art lift, which will provide disabled access, alongside a variety of other critical upgrades, all planned to ensure that the library can effectively withstand any future potential challenges. Despite the ongoing repair work, the decision to open its doors early, directly responds to the overwhelming demand from the community, eager to reconnect with a cherished space and staff that has long served as a cornerstone of local life and culture. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the library’s reopening highlight its vital role in the community, as patrons look forward to re-engaging with the rich resources and welcoming atmosphere that have defined the library for generations.

There is an undeniable excitement in seeing the library alive with energy again, a striking contrast to the haunting memories of waterlogged books strewn across the floor (see below), remnants of the devastation from past flooding. Those images, which resonated across Australia, illustrated the immense toll of one of Australia’s most devastating natural disasters. They serve as a poignant reminder not only of the community’s strength and resilience in the face of hardship but also of the vital importance of preserving knowledge and culture, even amid overwhelming loss and destruction. The library, once a sanctuary of learning, now stands as a symbol of hope and renewal, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who cherish the written word.

Photo credit: Lismore City Council

Photo credit: Lismore City Council