With construction already underway, project manager Ned Mozzell said his team was on target for their April deadline.

“It’s taken a little bit longer than first planned, but that’s because we’ve gone to such an extent to get the look we’re after,” he said.

Beyond housing the library’s book collection, the new space will include study and reading nooks, a children’s area, maker lab and two large conference rooms.

“The maker lab will include a 3D printer and lots of hands-on activities,” Mr Mozzell said.

“There will be lots of quiet places to read and we’re also looking at a small cafe.

“We’re just thinking past what libraries use to be and taking a more modern approach.”

Most of the collection will be housed on the lower floor in an expansive open-plan design.

As you enter the library, there will be a large staircase leading to the second level where the remainder of the books are housed, along with offices and the conference rooms.  

Also on the second level, a mezzanine floor will skirt around a large open area toward the front of the building where the maker lab is located.

At the entrance, in front of a large open window, the war memorial will sit in a spot visible from outside the building too.

“It’s going to be a really comfortable, modern look, Mr Mozzell said.

“We want to create a space where people really want to come and spend some time and not feel like they’ve entered an office.

“It will be very welcoming.” Most of the work is being undertaken in-house either within Council or contracted to Armidale tradesman.

“It’s really good for us to build this in-house,” he said.

“All the joinery will be custom made.

“We’re going away from the commercial looking libraries to a modern, up-to-date facility.”