COLD weather failed to deter more than 200 people who attended a rally on Saturday in support of a planned new war memorial library and performing arts precinct in Armidale's CBD.
Five of 10 candidates for the seat of New England in the forthcoming federal election spoke at the rally, held in the current library building in Faulkner Street.
David Mailer (Country Minded), David Ewings (ALP), Rob Taber (Independent), Tony Windsor (Independent) and Philip Cox (Independent) toured the current library and spoke to library staff and supporters.
They also listened to speeches supporting the new library and proposed regional performing arts centre.
"Many parents brought their children for story-book reading, dressed as their favourite book characters. They viewed a fly-though video of the proposed new library and examined photos of other new libraries in the state," Armidale regional civic precinct committee chairman Jim Maher said.
"They looked over plans and saw baby bags being organised by members of the Friends of the Library, who gave great support on the Day.
"They had guided tours of the dilapidated and cramped conditions within the Armidale Library. Many signed a petition to be presented to Armidale Regional Council administrator Ian Tiley, supporting the new library. All in all, it was an extremely successful day."
Deputy Prime Minister and current Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, tendered an apology for the precinct day.
