Kurri Kurri Library shut as storm damage fast-tracks upgrade works

newy.com.au – Kurri Kurri Library has been temporarily closed after storm damage brought forward a package of upgrades to the community facility this month.

The closure comes just ahead of the busy summer school holidays, with Cessnock City Council moving planned works from 2026 to now so repairs to a leaking roof can be carried out at the same time as accessibility and amenity upgrades.

Council says the project will include installing an accessible toilet, building a new meeting room and refurbishing the library’s existing amenities. The works are aimed at improving access and usability for a broad range of library users once the building reopens.

While the library building is shut, a temporary pop-up service desk will operate from Kurri Kurri Community Centre next door from Monday 8 December. The desk will act as a contact point for library services, a collection point for reserved items and a spot to browse a limited selection of popular quick-loan materials.

The pop-up will run during the community centre’s usual hours, from Monday to Friday, allowing regular borrowers and families to continue accessing key services without travelling to another branch.

All regular school holiday activities will still go ahead, but they have been shifted to other venues around the Kurri Kurri area. Council says updated details of locations and times will be shared on the library’s website and social media channels as arrangements are confirmed.

Acting Library Services Co-ordinator Andrew Powell said staff understood the timing of the closure would be challenging for some users. “While we acknowledge the inconvenience caused by this sudden closure, especially heading into the busy school holidays,” he said, the disruption was being managed to minimise the impact on regular visitors.

Mr Powell said the investment in the building would pay off for the community once works were finished. He said the new library upgrades would “provide improved opportunities for all people to engage and access Kurri Kurri Library”.

Council expects construction and refurbishment to be completed by mid-2026, meaning the pop-up arrangements and relocated programs will remain in place for an extended period. Further updates on the project timeline and any changes to services are expected to be provided through Council and library communication channels.

For enquiries about relocated programs, school holiday activities or existing item reservations, residents can contact Cessnock Library on 4993 4399.