Member for Orange, Andrew Gee, was in Forbes yesterday to officially re-open the building, which had been closed for six weeks for an interior refurbishment.

Guests included mayor Phyllis Miller, Forbes Shire Council staff and representatives from both State Library and Central West Libraries.

Mr Gee said it was a wonderful day for Forbes.

“This investment is almost $82,000 - it’s a wonderful investment in a community resource,” he said.

“Libraries are an integral part of small communities - we need to cherish them and we need to preserve them.

“Libraries have taken a great step forward into the digital age; they have evolved through the years and this library has the latest in computer technology and internet access.

“To the team here at Forbes Shire Council and, in particular, the library staff - congratulations to you all, you must be so excited.

“This community will cherish this resource for years to come.”

Cr Phyllis Miller congratulated the team at Central West Libraries and Forbes Shire Council staff on the great job they have done in such a short space of time.

“It’s fantastic for our community ... they love it - there’s so many people that come and use our library,” she said.

“Libraries are very important in rural communities and we’re very excited that we now have this meeting place for our community to come, to learn and enjoy.”

Central West Libraries manager, Jan Richards, said Forbes Library hadn’t changed much since she started working for Central West Libraries in the 1970s, so it was very much in need of a makeover.

“It was time for it to have a bit of zing about it and wow, doesn’t it look good?” she said.

“This is my favourite branch outside of Orange.

“This new space provides many, many learning opportunities ... inside a world of possibilities opens up for the whole community.”

The opening featured a Dr Suess reading by two cat-in-the-hats, as well as a performance by Rhyme Time children.