— Tom Heneghan
The new library at Blacktown re-establishes a sense of place and reinforces the public realm within a city environment. It is an open and inviting public building: transparent and welcoming; an expression of the sense of equitable access to information that the contemporary library offers; as well as creating a place for a broad range of activities and gatherings. The library caters for a culturally diverse population and incorporates children’s areas, youth areas, technology service areas, flexible function spaces, exhibition areas and a café creating a welcoming centre for community engagement.
The project has been embraced by the local community and general public, with four-hundred per cent increase in patronage upon opening and has received many awards including the AIA Premier’s Award.