Friends of Hampton Park Library president Dawn Dakin is happy that Casey council will consider the group’s request to extend the library, which she says is operating at capacity. By Alison Noonan
CASEY councillor Wayne Smith has vowed to continue pushing for an extension of Hampton Park Library.
Cr Smith was responding to a call from the Friends of Hampton Park Library, who recently requested that council place the library on its capital works program for future development.
Friends of Hampton Park Library president Dawn Dakin last week told the News the library required a larger study area, more computer space and extra shelf and storage space.
She said the library was already operating at capacity.
Cr Smith said it was known from the day the library opened in January 2004 that it would need to be extended, given its relatively small size and the high demand from residents.
“We knew it was going to be a bit small and it was clear the usage was there.
“We always had extensions in mind,” he said.
Cr Smith said the library had become the focal point of Hampton Park, particularly for school students looking for a quiet study area.
“It is the only suitable after hours study area in Hampton Park.
“They need a better youth facility and more room for computers and tables,” he said.
He said councillors agreed at last week’s council meeting to refer the extensions to council’s fiveyear capital works program for further consideration.
“We should have done it at the time. It would have been much cheaper,” Cr Smith said.
“I tried to get it through but was unsuccessful.
“Now it is something council will just have to prioritise.
“We will send a letter to the Casey Cardinia Library Corporation to seek their opinion and a report will come back to council.
“This is something I’ll just have to keep pushing.”
