Spearwood Library Visual Story

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1. Arrival and Parking

The arrival and parking area at Spearwood Library is located within the City of Cockburn Administration Centre, opposite Phoenix Shopping Centre. The car park is an open-air area with bitumen surfaces and established wattle and gum trees providing shade. A designated accessible car parking area includes four accessible car parking spaces located at the same level as the library entrance. The ground surface transitions from bitumen to smooth red brick tiles along wide, flat pathways. There is also an accessible car parking space provided at the upper carpark and two more accessible car parking spaces at the rear of the Seniors centre. 

The library and surrounding council buildings are constructed from brick and concrete. Pathways connect the car park to the library entrance and adjacent offices. Step-free access to the library is not currently available from the lower carpark. Shade sails are installed near the entry, and garden beds, grassed areas and bench seating are positioned along the pathways.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Birds chirping in trees
  2. Distant vehicle noise
  3. Leaves rustling in trees
  4. Crunching gravel underfoot
  5. Footsteps on walkways
Smell

Smells

  1. Trees and flowers - seasonal
  2. Fresh outdoor air
  3. Occasional vehicle exhaust
  4. Mild earthiness from soil
  5. Freshly cut grass - occasional
Touch

Feel

  1. Cool shade under trees
  2. Warm sun on skin
  3. Soft grass underfoot
  4. Brick pavers underfoot
  5. Handrails on ramps and stairs
Sight

Sight

  1. Library and council buildings
  2. People walking toward building
  3. Trees and gardens
  4. Directional signage
  5. Parked vehicles

2. Main Library

The main library at Spearwood Library is accessed via a step-free ramp with handrails leading from red brick tiled pathways. The building exterior is constructed from concrete with large glass windows and a flat roof. Entry is through double automatic glass sliding doors into a lobby with wood-effect vinyl flooring and a floor mat. Inside, the library has a high ceiling with natural light from clerestory windows and fluorescent lighting. However, the library can sometimes become dark, depending on exterior light. The floor is carpeted with patterned tiles in blue, grey and green.

The reception desk is positioned near the entrance. Seating areas and study spaces are arranged throughout the library, with shelving units forming aisles and breakout areas. A computer area with partitioned desks is located toward the rear. The toilets are located at the back of the library, adjacent to the Adult Fiction section. Access is through an inward, opening glass and timber door.  Further along this back wall on the left is access to the Unisex toilet which has a toilet with hand rails, and a baby change table.

Air-conditioning ducts are visible along the ceiling, and you may hear airflow from the system. This area is used for reading, study, computer access and library services.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Hum of air conditioning
  2. Footsteps on brick paving
  3. Sliding glass door opening
  4. Quiet conversation
  5. Keyboard typing in computer area
Smell

Smells

  1. Paper and book scent
  2. Fabric from carpet and chairs - faint
  3. Cleaning products - mild
  4. Fresh air - outside
  5. Air conditioning - inside
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth brick paving - outside
  2. Cool air from air conditioning
  3. Soft carpet underfoot - inside
  4. Wooden chair surfaces
  5. Metal handrails on ramp
Sight

Sight

  1. Concrete building with glass windows
  2. People walking towards building
  3. Automatic glass sliding doors
  4. People reading books
  5. Patterned carpet in blue, grey, green

3. Young Adults and Children's Area

The young adults and children’s area is located beyond the main library floor and is accessed through a connecting space with a lower ceiling and rectangular archways. This section includes increased use of colour on walls and signage. The ‘Imagine Grow Connect’ room is identified by large wall murals with faces and names displayed above the entrance. Shelving units in this area are lower in height and arranged to create smaller browsing zones.

Flooring includes patterned carpet with sections of wood-look vinyl in seating areas. Seating is provided with stools and chairs positioned throughout the space. The area is lit by fluorescent ceiling lights and natural light from windows. Shelving and columns divide the space into separate areas for reading, browsing and seating. This area is used for children’s reading, young adult use and supervised activities. Activity levels may increase during children’s programs, with higher noise levels during these times.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Pages turning
  2. Can become noisy during events
  3. Hum of air conditioning
  4. Occasional chair movement
  5. Children's laughter
Smell

Smells

  1. Air conditioned air
  2. Cleaning products - occasional
  3. Books and paper
  4. Fabric upholstery - faint
  5. No noticeable odours
Touch

Feel

  1. Soft carpet underfoot
  2. Cool air from vents
  3. Fabric covered stools
  4. Sunlight through window
  5. Close proximity to others
Sight

Sight

  1. Adults and children reading
  2. Colourful murals on wall
  3. Natural light from windows
  4. Books on book shelves
  5. Comfortable seating areas

4. Community Meeting Rooms

The community meeting rooms at Spearwood Library are located on the right side of the building when entering. This area includes two rooms, known as the community room and the meeting room. The rooms have glass walls and doors, allowing visibility between the rooms and the main library space. Flooring is carpeted with patterned designs in red, grey and yellow, and the ceiling includes a grid layout with recessed lighting and visible ductwork.

Furniture includes tables, chairs and high-backed booth seating with fabric upholstery. Both rooms are equipped with audio-visual systems, including screens and whiteboards. Wide doorways and clear pathways support step-free access between the rooms and surrounding areas. These spaces are used for meetings, workshops and community activities.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Voices from meetings
  2. Audio from screens
  3. Ambient library noise
  4. Hum of air conditioning
  5. Doors opening and closing
Smell

Smells

  1. Clean indoor air
  2. Cleaning products - mild
  3. Paper and books nearby
  4. Electonic equipment
  5. Coffee aroma (may be present)
Touch

Feel

  1. Close proximity to others
  2. Hard table surfaces
  3. Fabric chair upholstery
  4. Cool air from vents
  5. Soft carpet underfoot
Sight

Sight

  1. People meeting in conversation
  2. Glass windows and doors
  3. People studying
  4. Electronic equipment
  5. Patterned carpet flooring
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Thank You

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