Lower School Library Upgrade Project

Source : Thomiana September 2024

This project originated before Covid following a visit to the College (Mt. Lavinia) by a member of the Executive Committee of the OBA; when the Warden expressed concern about the current library facilities in the Lower School and sought assistance in upgrading the library and the quality of the contents (books, computers etc.). Since then, it has been our steadfast intention to initiate a substantial upgrade in both aspects. Unfortunately, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impeded the fundraising capacities of the Melbourne OBA. The Lower School Library Project holds immense significance for our Thomian community in Melbourne. The library’s current state does not reflect the excellence we associate with our College. We aim to transform this space into a vibrant hub of knowledge and inspiration. Recently, the Warden emphasized its importance during his visit to Melbourne in May 2024 and expressed his desire to see the contracts awarded before his tenure concludes in January 2025.

The preliminary work on the project has already been completed. To this end, we have been fortunate to receive assistance from several old boys in Sri Lanka. Their tireless efforts have resulted in productive engagements with the school authorities, including the Warden and Sub Warden, to conceptualise an architectural plan. Additionally, they have successfully obtained three competitive builder quotes. Given the current exchange rate, the estimates range between $16,500 and $18,800. The current state of the library
and the proposed conceptual design is shown in the photos below.

Current Status of Library