Library News
Thursday 14 October 2025
Ballina Library Refurbishment Nearing Completion
Ballina Library will reopen on Monday 3 November following its first major upgrade in ten years.
The works include new flooring and paint, an accessible service counter, flexible shelving to support a range of uses and programs, and a refreshed layout designed to enhance community connection and engagement.
The temporary pop-up Library at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) will close from Friday 17 October so staff can prepare the new space for reopening.
During the short transition period:
- The Mobile Library will continue operating on weekends at La Balsa Plaza, between the Ballina Visitor Information Centre and the Ballina War Memorial Pool.
- Please check the Richmond Tweed Regional Library website for program details and times.
- All regular services, including after-hours returns, computers, Wi-Fi, printing and programs, remain available at Alstonville and Lennox Head libraries, as well as other Richmond Tweed Regional Library branches.
- The Online Library is available 24/7, with free access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and more.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Richmond Tweed Regional Library and is jointly funded through the Public Library Infrastructure Grant from the State Library of NSW and Ballina Shire Council’s 2025/26 Capital Works Program.
For the latest updates on the reopening and service availability, visit www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au/Ballina_Library.
-ends-
Media contact
Tracy Lister
Manager Communications and Customer Service
council@ballina.nsw.gov.au
1300 864 444
Monday 29 September, 2025
New Library Cabinet Brings Books Closer to the Community
In a welcome boost to local library services, Tweed Shire Council is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new Library Cabinet, now available at Cabarita Beach Shopping Centre. This innovative addition makes it easier than ever for community members to borrow, return, and reserve library items—right where they shop.
“The Cabarita Library Cabinet is a fantastic new addition to our library services,” said Tweed Area Librarian Alana Choice. “It gives the community easy and direct access to a specially curated selection of library items, as well as the ability to return loans in one convenient location.”
Designed with convenience and accessibility in mind, the Cabarita Library Cabinet operates with existing Richmond Tweed Regional Library memberships and offers an easy-to-use, self-service experience. Whether you're picking up your weekly groceries or stopping in for coffee, borrowing a book has never been more accessible.
The installation of the Cabarita Library Cabinet was made possible through funding from a NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grant, part of an ongoing commitment to enhance and modernise library services for the community and the support of the Cabarita Beach Shopping Centre, providing placement for the first year as a community activation initiative.
Tweed Shire Council Mayor Chris Cherry said the project reflects Council’s broader goal of bringing services closer to where people live and spend their time.
“This is about removing barriers and making library access simpler, smarter, and more in tune with busy modern lives,” Cr Cherry said.
“The Cabarita Library Cabinet is a fantastic example of how we can deliver innovative services in everyday spaces like shopping centres.”
Visit the new Library Cabinet today at Cabarita Beach Shopping Centre and discover just how easy it is to stay connected with your local library—anytime, anywhere.
To join the library or find out more information visit www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au/Library_Cabinet or call into the Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, or Tweed Heads Libraries.
Ballina Library Refurbishment Begins September 1
Ballina Library’s first major refurbishment in ten years begins on September 1 with works expected to be completed in early November. To carry out the works safely and efficiently, the Ballina Library building will be temporarily closed from 1 September for the duration of the refurbishment. Popup Library services will be in place to ensure continued access to services throughout the refurbishment period.
Popup library services available throughout the refurbishment will include the Richmond Tweed Regional Mobile Library which will be parked between the Visitor Information Centre and Ballina War Memorial Pool on Saturdays 1-4pm and Sundays 9.30am-4pm from September 6, and a Popup branch at the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) operating from 8 September on weekdays 9am-2.30pm. Limited programs will be offered on Wednesdays in the Richmond Room.
Popup Library locations at BISC and the Mobile Library will have access to a curated selection of library items to browse and borrow and offer reservation collection. All your regular library services such as after-hours return chutes, computers, Wi-Fi, programs, and printing are available at Alstonville and Lennox Head libraries, as well as any other branch of Richmond Tweed Regional Library. The Online Library is available 24/7 providing free access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, online magazines and more.
Most programs will be taking a break during the refurbishment, with the exception of the Read, Make, Play Wednesdays series of programs which includes Story Time, Baby Time, and community board games which will be held Wednesdays in the Richmond Room.
The refurbishment will transform the library into a more flexible and welcoming community space, featuring new flooring, an upgraded service counter, the installation of modern, movable shelving, and a fresh coat of paint throughout.
Thank you for your patience and support as we work to enhance your library experience. We look forward to welcoming you back into a refreshed and revitalised space very soon.
More information about the refurbishment, Popup Library services, and access to the Online Library can be found on the library website https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-AVE-58-42-24, or the Library App, search ‘Richmond Tweed’ in your App store.Further information and service updates can be found at www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au/Ballina_Library
Tuesday 12 August, 2025
Library Council of NSW visit our Libraries
Members of The Library Council of NSW and representatives of the State Library of NSW toured Richmond Tweed Regional Library branches on Thursday and Friday last week to gain first-hand insight into the exceptional services our libraries provide, as well as the challenges we face in delivering consistent, high-quality library services that meet community needs and expectations.The Library Council of NSW is the governing body of the State Library of NSW, and issues guidelines for NSW public libraries under the Library Act 1939 (NSW). The Council’s responsibilities relate to the promotion, provision and maintenance of library and information services for the people of New South Wales as well as advising government and local authorities on matters of policy and administration relating to library services.
The Library Council also reports to the Minister for the Arts the subsidies to be provided by the NSW Government to support our Member Councils with the delivery of library services. In 2025/26 this equated to almost $900,000 in subsidies paid to RTRL’s Member Councils, Lismore City, Ballina, Byron, and Tweed Shires. Additionally, over the past 3 years, the Library Council has awarded our councils another $1.37 million in Infrastructure Grant funding to support major projects in the libraries for things such as refurbishments, service and technology upgrades, replacement of the Mobile Library, and improving the amenity of our libraries.
The Library Council of NSW and State Library of NSW visit represented unprecedented support for the Richmond Tweed Regional Library service, with a delegation of this size demonstrating the interest and commitment to understanding and supporting regional library services. The Hon. Bob Debus AM, President of the Library Council NSW exclaimed upon entering one of our branches “This is one of the best Libraries I have been to!”. Dr Caroline Butler-Bowden, State Library of NSW State Librarian wrapped up the visit on her Instagram page sharing “An unforgettable trip north for the Library Council, Cameron and I these past couple of days. Six libraries, 30 hours, from Byron to Brunswick Heads, Lismore, Kingscliff and beyond. So special to see up close the power of libraries, big and small, for community connection, as places of joy, learning and inspiration, free and open for all ages across this spectacular part of the world”. @carolinebutlerbowdon
Images: 1. Dr Caroline Butler-Bowden SLNSW State Librarian, Courtney Brown RTRL Business Manager, Michael Lewis Lismore Area Librarian, Cameron Morley SLNSW Head of Public Library Services. 2. & 3., tour of the newly refurbished Lismore Library. 4. networking opportunities for the Library Council of NSW members, SLNSW staff, RTRL Regional Library Committee members, and RTRL staff
Monday 4 August, 2025
Ballina Library Upgrade
Temporary relocation of Ballina Library as first major refurbishment in ten years takes place.
Ballina Library will undergo major renovations starting September 1, 2025, with an expected completion in early November 2025. “This project is about giving our much-loved library a freshen-up so it continues to serve our community well into the future” said Cr Sharon Cadwallader, Mayor of Ballina Shire. “We’re renewing the flooring, painting, upgrading the service counter, and installing modern, movable shelving to make the space more flexible and welcoming”.To maintain services to the community during this time, a temporary library will be set up in the Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) from September 8. Opening hours will be 9am-2:30pm on weekdays. Patrons can pick up reserved items, access a limited collection (comprising adult and junior fiction and non-fiction, youth fiction, picture and board books, and a small number of audiobooks and DVDs) or return loans.
On weekends, from 6 September 2025, the Mobile Library will offer similar services parked opposite the Ballina Memorial Swimming Pool on Saturdays from 1-4pm, and Sundays from 9:30am-4pm throughout the refurbishment works.
Read, Make, Play community programs will be held every Wednesday at the Richmond Room, located behind the Library (access via 5 Regatta Avenue). All other programming will be on pause throughout the refurbishment works.
The after-hours return chute at Ballina Library will not be available during this time. Patrons can access after-hours return chutes, along with other library services, at both the Lennox Head and Alstonville Libraries.
Cr Cadwallader said “The refurbishment is being delivered in partnership with Richmond Tweed Regional Library and is funded through the Public Library Infrastructure Grant from the State Library of NSW, along with Ballina Shire Council’s 2025/26 Capital Works Program. We thank our community for their understanding while the work takes place.”
Further information and service updates can be found at www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au/Ballina_Library
Click here to read the full media release
Wednesday 2 July 2025
Essential roof maintenance works scheduled for Lennox Head Cultural Centre
From Tuesday 8 July, scaffolding and banner mesh will surround the Lennox Head Cultural Centre – home to Lennox Head Library – as essential roof maintenance works are carried out. At alternating times throughout the works, one of the two entrances at the front and rear of the building may be closed. Please observe detour signage and follow any instructions from staff.
Noise disruption may occur during work, which is expected to take 6 to 8 weeks – weather permitting. The work is scheduled on weekdays from 7 am to 5 pm, as well as Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm (as required).
Vehicles owned by construction staff will require parking close to the site, so general parking may be limited.
Both Ballina and Alstonville libraries will be open as usual during this period and the online library at www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au is available all day, every day. You can also download the library app by searching Richmond Tweed Regional Library in your app store.
Thursday 18 June 2025
Our fees are changing on 1 July
Description |
1 July 2024-25 fee |
1 July 2025-26 fee |
| Visitor's membership fee | $41.90 | $41.90 |
| Book club per item | $2 | $2 |
| Reservations on adult Richmond Tweed Regional Library items | $2 | $2 |
| Interlibrary loans – items not held by RTRL | $4.60 | $10 |
| Non-public library interlibrary loans – non-public libraries charge different amounts. The actual fee will be 100% of the amount charged. | $34.60 | $34.60 |
| Lost or damaged items – borrowed item – cost plus processing fee (excluding periodicals) | $11 | $11 |
| Lost or damaged items – membership card | $3.20 | $4.50 |
| Printing/photocopying B&W A4 – per page | 60c | 60c |
| Printing/photocopying Colour A4 – per page | $1.10 | $1.10 |
| Printing/photocopying B&W A3 – per page | $1.10 | $1.10 |
| Printing/photocopying Colour A3 – per page | $2.10 | $2.10 |
| Scanning documents to email – per page | 50c | 50c |
| Photo-quality prints (ballina local history photos) – per page | $4.80 | $5 |
| USB flash drive/memory stick | $9.30 | $9.70 |
| Pen | 70c | 75c |
| Plastic sleeve | 50c | 55c |
| Scanning library local history photos by staff (per photo) | $4.40 | $4.60 |
| PC use (15 minutes) – non-RTRL members | $2.10 | $2.10 |
| Headphones – per set | $3.70 | $4 |
| Phone charge – local call | 50c | 55c |
| Promotional sales – Library bag (basic, blue non-woven) | $4.40 | 60c |
| Promotional sales – library bag (small calico) | $6.60 | $10 |
| Promotional sales – library bag (large jute) | $11 | $15 |
| Talking book replacement – CD | $22 | $22.90 |
| Patron research fee – first hour is free | $101.20 | $102.20 |
| Lismore 150 Years book | $28.30 | $29.45 |
Library room hire
| Commercial hire per hour | $36.70 | $40 |
| Community hire per hour | $25.40 | $26.45 |
News for language learners
Although we’re bidding farewell to Transparent Language Online after Monday 30 June 2025, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore fantastic free apps and online resources to help you learn languages.
Technology has changed and the language learning landscape has adapted, providing greater availability to advanced, easy-to-use, and completely free apps and online resources.
Funds from the cessation of Transaprent Language Online will be redirected toward in-demand resources, such as digital newspapers, ebooks, and eaudiobooks. This change is part of our commitment to reviewing and enhancing library services to meet community expectation and need.