A new Library for the heart of Alice Springs

Our current Library is well-loved, and well-used. In fact, it’s so popular that it has simply outgrown the space it was designed for nearly 40 years ago.

Over recent years we’ve seen:

• every seat taken during busy periods

• families and young people sitting on the floor when tables fill up

• programs reaching capacity due to room limitations

• technology, power and digital needs that the original building was never built to support

It’s a challenge, but it’s also a positive sign - it shows how deeply the community values this space and how widely the Library is used by people of all ages.

A modern, purpose-built Library will allow Council to:

• create more seating, study zones and collaborative spaces

• provide larger and more flexible areas for children’s programs

• meet contemporary accessibility and safety standards

• support modern technology and digital services

• deliver a more comfortable, welcoming and spacious environment for everyone

A new Library is not just about more room - it’s about creating facilities that match the needs and expectations of a growing, modern Alice Springs. It is an investment in learning, connection, creativity, and the long-term future of our community.

Why the Civic Centre Site?

While we love our current library, the reality is that we've simply outgrown the current building. The current footprint is too small for the level of services, programs and community use that we now provide and there is limited ability to expand the existing building. 

Council selected this new location because it is:

Central and accessible

Easy to reach, in the heart of the CBD and close to public transport.

A safe, familiar civic precinct

Surrounded by existing community infrastructure and connected to key walking routes.

Large enough for the Library’s future needs

The site allows for modern design, accessibility and sustainability features.

Cost-effective and practical

Using Council-owned land helps contain costs and streamline project delivery.

What’s Happening Right Now

Tourism Central Australia co-locating with Council’s current Library

As the project progressed, Tourism Central Australia (TCA) will temporarily co-locate within the current Library building. 

What this has meant:

• TCA moved into the Special Collections area.
• Special Collections will be unavailable for a period of three months while it is packed up and put into secure storage. This is to safeguard the condition of valuable and rare items.
• Once construction on the new Library finishes, TCA will take over the entire current Library building.
• Library services will continue to operate during the project — There may be minor disruptions while we work to remain all core services.

This co-location supports both organisations:

• TCA secures a central, accessible home for visitors
• Council ensures the current Library space continues to be actively used once the new facility is being built

Andy McNeill Room unavailable

To support the internal reconfiguration required for the co-location, the Andy McNeill Room will be unavailable to the public for the foreseeable future.

Council will work with regular user groups to help identify alternative venues where possible.

How the Community Has Been Involved

Community Consultation

The community played an important role in developing the vision for a new Library for Alice Springs through a comprehensive public consultation process.

Residents, stakeholders and community groups shared their thoughts on what a new library should include, providing valuable insights that will help guide the project as it progresses.

To see the key themes, ideas and feedback received during the consultation period, visit:

What We Know Our Community Will Want to Understand

We’ll continue to update this page with clear information on:

• the project timeline

• funding and planning

• where services will operate during construction

• how the new Library will be designed

• how to have your say

• updates on TCA co-location

• consultation findings and next steps

This page will grow as the project grows.