INVERELL Shire Council has announced the installation of three new private meeting and study booths at Inverell Shire Public Library.

The booths have significantly expanding the library’s capacity to support community learning, connection and privacy, council says.

The project was made possible through $60,000 in funding received under the 2024-2025 Library Council of New South Wales Public Library Infrastructure Program.

The new facilities include three sound‑reducing booths, seating one person, four people and six people respectively.

Each booth reduces sound transmission by 30 decibels and features adjustable lighting and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable and focused environment for users.

Maria Mutimer sitting inside the four-person pod at Inverell Shire Public Library.

Mayor Cr Kate Dight said the installation of the booths represents a significant improvement in services offered to the Inverell Shire community.

“With the support of the State Library of NSW, we have been able to create private, accessible spaces that meet a growing need for quiet study, online engagement and confidential appointments,” Cr Dight said.

“The strong uptake since installation shows just how valuable this investment is for our Shire.”

A key benefit of the project is the increased privacy for patrons, an area where the library previously had limited capacity.

The booths are freestanding, required no structural building work, and were fully installed on-site in just one-and-a-half days.

Each unit simply plugs into a standard power point, making the upgrade efficient and cost‑effective.

Since their installation in mid‑October, the booths have already been used 150 times, demonstrating strong community demand.

They are free to use and bookings can be made by phoning the library on 6728 8130 or speaking directly with library staff.

The booths support a wide range of activities, including small meetings, online appointments with service providers, Job interviews, online training, study and exam preparation, audio recording and Livestreaming events such as funerals.

Library staff have already seen the positive impact of the new spaces. Cr Dight said Inverell Shire Council thanks the State Library of NSW for its generous support and looks forward to seeing even more residents benefit from these modern, flexible, and private spaces.