Alice Springs Town Council has confirmed the future location of the new $20 million Alice Springs Public Library, with Councillors voting to position the new facility above the Council car park at the Civic Centre.
With support from the Northern Territory Government, planning has commenced for the project, with the site decision marking a major milestone for the project.
Mayor, Asta Hill said the Civic Centre site offers a central, accessible location that keeps the Library within the heart of town while allowing for a larger facility that meets current and future community needs.
“Our Library is one of the beating hearts of this community,” Mayor Hill said.
“It’s where children discover their love of reading, where young people get help with study or digital access, and where older residents gather to stay connected. It’s a place where everyone belongs.
“Choosing this location gives us the opportunity to design a space that is modern, central, accessible, and built for the next 40 years of community life.”
The Mayor said Council will soon launch extensive community consultation to ensure that the design, layout, services, and priorities of the new library are shaped directly by the people who use it.
“This is not just Council’s Library – it’s the community’s Library,” Mayor Hill said.
“in designing our new library, we want to know exactly what our community values, what they want more of, and what a modern Library for Alice Springs should include.”
As part of the project, Tourism Central Australia (TCA) will temporarily co-locate within the current library building, first moving into the Special Collections space and later transitioning into the entire building once construction is complete on the new facility. The Special Collection will be moved into secure storage for a period of three months to safeguard the condition of valuable and rare items.
Mayor Hill said the partnership with TCA supports both organisations and ensures the current building continues to serve the community while the new Library is being developed.
“This arrangement gives TCA a strong, central presence for visitors while allowing Council to transition smoothly into the next chapter of Library services,” she said.
“It’s a practical, collaborative step forward. And importantly, there will be no disruption to Library services during this planning phase – all your favourite programs, events and activities will continue as normal. I can’t wait for the community to help shape this incredible project.”
Council will provide updates on the consultation process, project timeline, and next steps as the work progresses.
For project updates, visit www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au/residents/facilities/library/new-alice-springs-library-project.aspx.
