The Lismore Library has been open to the public since early February 2025; however, an important and final part of its restoration, the lift, was only installed two weeks ago, which meant it could finally be officially opened to the public today.

A small but enthusiastic crowd took part in the ceremony and ribbon-cutting at The Quad's entrance, with Acknowledgment of Country by Aunty Delta Kay, followed by speeches by Mayor Steve Krieg, Carmel Cook (representing Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin) and Lismore Librarian Michael Lewis, followed by a tour and morning tea to celebrate the completion of the library rebuild.

Mention was made of the devastating scenes of March 2022, when tens of thousands of books were tossed outside the front of the library and the subsequent gutting of the library interior, so it could slowly dry its 100-year-old brickwork and repair its foundation slab, and of the fantastic work by Bennett Construction and BKA Architecture for its resilient rebuild.

"You get a little bit emotional when you do things like this. I remember going up to the RTRL (Richmond Tweed Regional Library) office in Goonellabah. Lucy was there, remember unloading, what was it? Seven Australia Post vans full of books donated from all around the country. And to see where we are now, it's not even four years. It really is an astonishing act of resilience and determination to get back to where we are."

The restoration of the Lismore Library was made possible thanks to $5.6 million in funding from various sources:

• $4.5 million from the Flood Restoration funds shared between State and Federal Governments
• $135,821 from the NSW Governments's 2022 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package - Arts and Cultural Priority Needs Program
• $494,400 from the 2023 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package
• $325,427 from the State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grants
• $222,000 from Lismore City Council

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, is sitting in parliament this week. He wrote, "The library sits in the heart of our CBD. Seeing it restored and improved, with better accessibility, and new community spaces, is something we can all take pride in.

"This project shows what can be achieved when governments at every level work with community."

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is also in parliament this week, said, "We've waited a long time for this moment. The lift is working, the shelves are full, and the energy is back. This library isn't just open, it's thriving.

"I have supported this refurbishment all the way, and with major State and Federal Funding, it has been able to happen."

Lismore Area Librarian Michael Lewis reflected on the events of 2022 and the amazing work of his library team and the community.

"For so long, the library has been a beating part of our town at a steady pace through everything else. Suddenly, that part went quiet. What happened next is one of the most humbling experiences of my time here. People started turning up, not because they were asked, but because they cared. Library staff, Council teams came in to help wherever they could, community members arrived just to check on staff, to bring food or simply to ask, What do you need?

"That willingness to act, to show up, is what defines this community. It's what's carried this project. And when you walk through the library now, you can feel that spirit in every part of the space, in the shelves, the artwork, the light and in the care that went into bringing it all back.

"This new library isn't just a rebuild, it's a reimagining of what a public space can be. We've built a space that feels open and inclusive, from the reading tree in the children's area to the new youth corner that gives young people a space to belong, to the study areas that support students, professionals and lifelong learners alike, and to the quiet spots where people can simply breathe and feel at home again.

"It's a library where people come to connect, discover and escape, whether that's through a book, a conversation or a moment of calm in a busy day. But it's also a space that looks forward. We've designed this library to grow with our community, host programs, workshops, digital learning and local creativity. It's a place where ideas can be shared, stories can be told, and connections can keep forming long after today, a place where old and new meet, where our community's history and its future sit side by side.

"The floods may have tested us, but they didn't defeat us. What came after the teamwork, the care and assistance is what defines this space. And when you walk through today, I encourage you to look closely at the mural works and the birds in flight along the walls, each one carrying a message from the many donations we received. They tell the story of resilience and renewal, of how our community lifted itself together towards something private.

"This building is more than just bricks and shelves. It's proof that when people care deeply enough, they can bring even the most damaged spaces back to life, stronger, warmer and ready for whatever comes next."

The Lismore Library is in The Quad, with plenty of parking at Harold Frederick Car Park off Dawson Street. It is open:

• Monday to Wednesday: 9:30am to 5pm
• Thursday: 9:30am to 7pm
• Friday: 9:30am to 5pm
• Saturday: 9am to 1pm
• Sunday: 1pm to 4pm