By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
OPPORTUNITY Square – that’s what Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti is floating as a name for Dandenong’s $65 million civic plaza and library.
The name had a harmonious ring to it as the library revealed its spacious, tech-riddled digs for the first time to an eager public last Monday.
“The community is going to love this,” Cr Memeti said.
Of the mooted name, he said Dandenong had become a destination for migrants because of its opportunities and jobs.
“That’s why we called Greater Dandenong the city of opportunity.”
A dozen or so people watched behind glass doors as the mayor cut the ribbon in front of council staff inside before the doors slid open.
The first public visitor, Tony Slade, was taken aback when personally greeted by Cr Memeti and given a certificate noting his ‘achievement’.
Mr Slade noted that he was also the first visitor through the door on the now-closed Stuart Street library’s final day.
He loved the look of the multitude of comfortable seating, remembering people “sitting in the aisles” at the old cramped but popular library.
“It was past its time,” Mr Slade said.
He was dubious about using the multilingual self check-out machines, which seem more user-friendly than their supermarket cousins.
For a bit of light relief, visitors can check the ‘Pirate’ language option!
Adults gravitated to some of the 40-plus computers.
One regular internet user Ranjanan was mightily impressed.
He told the Journal it had been difficult to get to use one of the 14 public PCs at the Stuart Street library.
Dandenong Primary School pupils, meanwhile, gave an enthusiastic “oh” when introduced to a wall of of Playstations, an X-Box and a Wii.
Next to that was the Discovery Bar of new-model Samsung Tab 3 tablets, iPads and Mac Book Pros which gave visitors a chance to sample the devices.
Another sure-fire attraction were the purple-benched gaming booths – private screens with headphones for viewing or gaming in groups.
First in the children’s section was Eva Burkin and her daughter Isabelle who, with her toy meerkat, was transfixed by an interactive touchscreen.
Ms Burkin, a teacher, grew up as a regular at the Stuart Street library.
“Already we’re here. Isabelle’s two and she’s loving it.
“We’ve got this section away from the rest of the library and children can make noise and ask questions without that guilt about disturbing anybody.
“It’s hard to believe I’m in Dandenong.
“There’s this beautiful (government services) building behind me. It reminds me of Federation Square,” she said.
What are you impressions of the new library and civic square.
Have you got a suggested name for the square.
Let us know at journal@starnewsgroup.com.au or facebook.com/dandenongjournal.
