THE Mount Gambier Library’s Bookmark Cafe will be operated by the Limestone Coast Pantry after a service agreement was reached with Mount Gambier City Council.
Council resolved at last month’s meeting to endorse the agreement, which followed an expression of interest process with elected members considering business proposals for the provision of an ongoing hospitality service for library patrons.
“We are pleased to have the Limestone Coast Pantry team at the Bookmark Café and look forward to working together with a clear focus on ensuring outcomes that also benefit the community,” Mount Gambier Library manager Georgina Davison said.
The Limestone Coast Pantry continues its growth with the centrally-located library cafe, with the announcement following last week’s Morrison’s Jazz Club new venue launch at its Harrald Street premises.
“We see this as a wonderful opportunity to partner with the library and council to enhance the experience of locals and visitors to the civic and arts and culture precinct,” Limestone Coast Pantry director Lyn McLachlan said.
“We have already partnered with many local organisations and see huge potential in the space of the Bookmark Café to further grow these partnerships.”
Upgrades will start onsite in the coming months to meet compliance requirements that have changed since the site was established 10 years ago.
“Works will include replacement of aged equipment and relocation of the service area away from the automatic doors to reduce congestion following feedback from both customers and the previous operator,” Ms Davison said.
Further works will be referred to council’s 2020/21 budget deliberations, with input from the new operator.
