Claudia writes letter to support library campaign

“Warragul deserves a new library” is the message from a 12-year-old girl supporting the community campaign for a new library and learning centre.

Claudia Fawcett of Warragul has written a letter of support for the proposed $30 million Baw Baw Cultural and Connection Precinct on the corner of Albert St and Civic Place, Warragul.

The proposed three-storey library and learning centre would be the focal point of the precinct, also proposing an outdoor plaza linking up with the West Gippsland Arts Centre and Civic Park.

To attract funding for the precinct, Baw Baw Shire Council has launched an advocacy campaign asking residents to send letters of support to politicians.

Claudia, who has been a local library member since three-monthsold, says her favourite thing to do when visiting was reading books.

“I enjoy choosing new books to take home and checking what is on the shelves,” Claudia said. “I used to love going to Storytime when I was little.”

However, Claudia says the current library “is pretty old” and encouraged the community to support the campaign for a new, modern library.

“Warragul deserves a new library,” Claudia said. “It would be a safe place for people to be warm and comfortable. (A) fun community space to read, study and work.”

“Imagine spending your Saturday at the Farmers’ Market, the park and the library, then getting some lunch and sitting in the outdoor area. It would be so much fun. You could spend all day there.”

Claudia has viewed the video “fly through” that brings the proposed three-storey centre to life, describing it as “really cool”.

She loved the art gallery, makers space and that it was close to the park.

Asked if she would visit more often if the new library was built, Claudia gave an overwhelming yes.

“Our family loves to visit the library at Bunjil Place and the nice one in Sale, and it would be so cool to have a new library like these ones in our town,” she said.

Claudia also thinks other young people would utilise the new library because it would be close to the park and had attractions for youth and families.

“Even if you aren’t into reading books, there is heaps more stuff to do there,” Claudia said. “I think people my age would love the gaming area and the courtyard.”

When looking at the proposal, Claudia said the most important inclusion for her would be space to sit and read, “to be comfy and relax with a book”.

“I like the study areas too, and I think I will use that when I am in high school,” she said.

To join the community campaign to scan the QR Code above or visit advancingbawbaw.com/culture. Both will give quick and easy access to a letter of support that will be emailed directly to all MPs and relevant ministers.

Twelve-year-old Claudia Fawcett is calling on community members to support lobbying efforts for a new library.

To join the community campaign to gain state and federal funding for phase one of the $30 million project, scan the QR Code above.