About the upgrade

We're writing a new chapter for Kew Library.

The way people engage with their local library has changed since the branch opened in 1987. We now have the opportunity to design a library that meets the needs of our community now and into the future.

The Kew Library redevelopment delivers on our:

It involves the demolition of the existing building and construction of a new building with a connection to the adjacent Alexandra Gardens.

Vision and Design Brief

Your feedback helped inform the vision and design for a modern purpose-built library that delivers on what's important to you. You can download the full Vision and Design Brief from the Document library on this page.

At an additional Council meeting on Monday 25 March 2024, a report was presented to Councillors.

This report included:

  • the draft Kew Library Redevelopment Vision and Design Brief, incorporating community feedback
  • a summary of the community consultation results
  • recommendations for Councillors to consider.

At the meeting, Councillors endorsed the:

  • Kew Library Redevelopment Vision and Design Brief
  • demolition and rebuild of a new library.

Visit our additional Council meeting (25 March 2024) page to:

  • watch the recording of the Council meeting
  • read the report presented to Councillors.

Current status

At the Council Meeting on Monday 22 July 2024, an architect was appointed to develop a design for the new Kew Library.

The design process will commence in September 2024, and be based on the endorsed Vision and Design Brief.

To stay up-to-date on our progress, click the Follow button at the top of this page.

Community consultation

In August and September 2023, we asked our community for feedback on the draft Vision and Design Brief for the new Kew Library.

Who we heard from

We heard from 271 people through our online survey and in our drop-in sessions.

  • 47% of people who responded to the survey lived in Kew and 12% lived in Kew East.

  • 69% of people who responded to the survey were members of Kew Library.

  • We heard from 66% women, 26% men, 1% self-described and 7% preferred not to answer.

  • The age groups most represented were 35–49 years and 50-59 years.

Percentage of participants who agreed or strongly agreed with the key themes

What we heard

In 2017, we consulted with the community to understand the views and aspirations for a new Kew Library.

We checked in as part of this consultation to make sure the key themes were still relevant. Most participants agreed or strongly agreed they were still important.

Preferred features and spaces

We asked our community to tell us what features and spaces they consider most important. We provided a list of 10 features and asked participants to rank their top 5 preferences.

  • 79% want study and remote workspaces
  • 66% want program and activity spaces
  • 60% want places to learn, try something new and create
  • 49% want multi-purpose spaces for large groups or individual study or work
  • 46% want a café
  • 44% want meeting rooms
  • 41% want programs in Alexandra Gardens
  • 41% want art and exhibition spaces
  • 37% want consulting rooms for community groups
  • 24% want kitchen facilities
  • 5% want something other than what was listed.

What else is important?

Our community also told us they want:

  • a range of flexible spaces accommodating different community needs
  • outstanding architecture and design
  • an accessible and inclusive library
  • spaces for children and young people
  • view and/or access to the gardens and surrounds
  • book collections
  • quiet and peaceful spaces
  • art and culture representation
  • a library that is environmentally sustainable
  • technology for now and the future
  • cost concerns considered.

You can download the full Community Engagement Summary below.