Old shelves, new stories

Published on 10 March 2026

Clarinda Library, one of eight libraries within the Kingston Library Service, has undergone an exciting refurbishment — and it’s not just about a fresh new look.

This upgrade includes replacing shelving that is more than 15 years old and no longer meets best-practice standards for height, material and accessibility. The new shelving will create a more welcoming, flexible and accessible space for our community.

But what happens to the old shelves?

In line with our strong sustainability values, 98% of the decommissioned metal shelving will be reused or repurposed, not sent to scrap.

Supporting community organisations

Rather than discarding the shelving, it is being donated to local community groups and organisations, giving it a meaningful second life.

Aviation & Heritage Centre
The Centre will receive just over half of the shelving. Some will house a small aviation book collection at their airfield hangar, while the majority will be used in a volunteer-run community bookstore in Nhill. Proceeds from the bookstore support the Heritage Centre’s important preservation work.

Star of the Sea College
Half of the picture book shelving will be donated to the College, where students have launched a popular Art and Design elective creating their own zines and graphic novels. Their work is now being catalogued and displayed face-out in the library, just like classic comic book stands and making the picture book shelving a perfect fit.

Beaumaris Community Art Gallery
A small amount of shelving will support the Gallery’s growing collection of art books on painting and sculpture. In a clever repurposing solution, some metal shelving will also replace large wooden tables and be used as cooling racks for sculptures fresh from the kiln.

Der Die Das Buecherwald German Language Community Library
This volunteer-run German language library, open one Saturday per month, serves over 100 German-speaking families from across Melbourne. The donated shelving will help support and grow their community collection.

This refurbishment is about more than updating furniture. It reflects Kingston Library’s commitment to accessibility, sustainability and supporting community connections.

Old shelves, new stories — continuing to serve our community in different ways.