A library for the future, a debate from the past

EDITORIAL –

The new Gosford Regional Library is soon to open; gleaming, modern, and packed with promise.

Decades in the making, this is no ordinary library.

Thanks to a collaboration with the University of Newcastle, it includes a MakerSpace designed for innovation and hands-on creativity.

It’s a defining piece of infrastructure for a city finally ready to reimagine itself.

First conceived back in the 1990s by the former Gosford Council, this library was long funded by a special ratepayer levy, steadily building towards the dream.

Interestingly, it was the controversial first Central Coast Council, before its dismissal, that prioritised getting it built.

Later, the Federal Government added its support.

This is more than bricks and books.

Across Europe, libraries have helped spark urban renewal.

They are now community hubs for study, art, collaboration, public discourse and enterprise.

This new facility speaks not only to a smarter future but to the foresight of those who planned for it years ago.

Yet, in a strange twist, the celebration is clouded by a battle across the road.

Council executives seem intent on demolishing the existing Gosford Library building, citing a decision made unilaterally by the former Council administrator, Rik Hart.

The plan? Replace the heritage structure with a toilet block and an open-air amphitheatre.

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A significant community campaign is pushing back.

So are heritage advocates, and even the family of the building’s original architect.

At least one well-respected youth services group has expressed a desire to lease and repurpose the space immediately.

But council staff say this would strain resources.

In an interesting twist, Member for The Entrance David Mehan has become the state parliamentary champion for retaining the uniquely engineered building.

It’s a curious fight, and it casts a shadow over the launch of something so forward-looking.

A final decision rests with the councillors, who await the findings of a Sydney-based consultant tasked with gauging community sentiment.

Presumably, they will read and report on the lengthy stories and letters CCN has published from the community.

We’ve seldom seen such community passion expressed so clearly.

One library opens, another faces the wrecking ball.

Let’s hope our city leaders read the room.

Managing editor, David Abrahams