Wednesday, 06 September 2023

Temporary library closure and pop-up library coming

  • Subiaco Library will be closed from Saturday 23 September for restoration works
  • A pop-up library will open Monday 2 October at 241 Rokeby Road, Subiaco
  • E-resources are still accessible 24/7 

Subiaco Library (E H Parker Library) will be temporarily closed from 23 September and a pop-up library will be in place while restoration works are undertaken.

The works are set to restore the library to its former glory after past landscape and design choices, coupled with rising damp, have resulted in a decline in the condition of the exterior of this landmark building.

The project will restore, remediate and ultimately enhance the exterior of this important building that forms part of the City’s Local Heritage Register, preserving it for future generations.

While the majority of the works are focussed on the exterior of the building, the roof and air conditioning units will also be replaced and there will be cranes and scaffolding in place for the duration of the works, making it unsafe to enter the library.

The library building will be closed from Saturday 23 September (inclusive) for up to 6 months – the reopening date will be communicated in early 2024.

Parking behind the library will be unavailable during the closure period, but ample parking is available very close to the pop-up library, including an ACROD bay.

From Monday 2 October, the pop-up library will be in parts of 241 Rokeby Road (the City’s previous administration building adjacent to Subiaco Library), with opening hours to remain the same.

A large selection from the usual collection will be available, as well a dedicated children’s library, ample seating with magazines and papers, a bookable meeting room similar to the Nook, and study spaces.

Regular programming will go ahead as normal and e-resources will not be affected and are still available to library members 24/7.

Public computers and WiFi won’t be available in the pop-up library.

For more information, including FAQs, visit the Subiaco Library Renovations project page.
 

A brief history of the library:

  • The library was designed by architects Silver Goldberg
  • It was opened on 25 February 1971
  • At the time, it was the most aggressively modern building in Subiaco
  • In 2002, the library underwent alterations and additions including the addition of a lift and air-conditioning, and the conversion of the former entry and function room into the children’s library
  • When the library was re-opened in April 2002, it was dedicated to Evelyn H Parker – former Mayor of Subiaco and the first woman Mayor in Western Australia
  • In 2019, the interior of the library was refurbished to bring it up-to-date with community expectations and needs
extraMile by Dapth