‘It’s more than books’: Thousands sign petition to save their local library

A community group on the Gold Coast is fighting to save their local library after the council decided to turn it into an arts and creative hub.

Locals protested outside the Burleigh Heads library this morning, having gathered thousands of signatures on a petition asking council to resolve to keep the library open.

“It’s the heart of the community,” Burleigh Heads local Sarah-Leigh McMahon told nine.com.au.

“People are devastated.

“It’s more than just the books... the community space itself is what is going to be hugely missed.”

The library is nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, opposite the local bowls club and just a stone’s throw from the beach and coffee shops.

Library members have been told services will be moved to the Burleigh Waters library, about five kilometres away, which is also due to close temporarily for refurbishment in late August.

Local mum Linda Daley said the suburban Burleigh Waters branch won’t serve the needs of Burleigh locals in the same way.

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“You have to drive or get the bus there, there is no business, no coffee shops... no beach across the street, when we already have this amazing, well-located, well-established precinct just at the terminus of the tramway,” she said.

“We’ve endured almost four years of construction right at the door of the library, which has blocked access for prams and disabled people.

“Now that’s all finished we don’t even give it a chance to thrive.”

The decision to close the branch formed part of council budget deliberations, and was based on data that showed the library was under-utilised.

But Burleigh Heads MP Hermann Vorster, who started the petition, believes recent low patronage was a result of the construction of the Light Rail stage 3, which, now completed, would deliver residents right to the library’s doorstep.

He said it wasn’t too late for council to listen to the community and reconsider the closure based on new information.

“It seems the southern Gold Coast must fight harder than anywhere else to protect its lifestyle, its culture and its identity,” Vorster said.

“Residents are exhausted by council decisions that are ‘done to them’ rather than in consultation with them.

“They rightfully expect to have a seat at the table and help shape better decisions by explaining why community facilities and public spaces are more precious than ever.

“That’s not being adversarial but a genuine olive branch to city leaders.”

The petition is also supported by local area councillor Josh Martin, who originally voted against the city budget in protest of the closure.

“It is a powerful expression of democracy and symbolically means there are 3000 people walking in with local councillor Josh Martin to demand change,” Vorster said.

 “There is an opportunity for council to show that every community counts and every person matters by listening now.

“It will take courage but pay dividends.”

The petition will be considered by council at its meeting on Tuesday next week, despite the library being set to close on Friday.

A council spokesperson said customer demand was approximately 34 per cent higher at the Burleigh Waters library than the Burleigh Heads branch.

They said customers were advised of the closure shortly after the decision was made on June 11.

“Community consultation is not required for a decision of this nature,” the spokesperson said.

“A number of incidents of aggressive behaviour from some members of the community in recent weeks has formed part of the decision to decision to close Burleigh Heads library on 24 July.”