Mount Gambier Library’s 12-year-old Bookmark Café has closed and will undergo a nearly $150,000 upgrade in the coming months. 

After being operated by the Limestone Coast Pantry for almost two years, the Bookmark Café will change hands, with a new operator yet to be announced after it closed on Friday.

Limestone Coast Pantry owner Lyn McLachlan said modified services during 2021 had proved a challenge in 2020, while operating during the coronavirus pandemic. 

“It has been a challenging time for businesses during COVID-19 and after considering our strategy, we are consolidating our business on the one main site on Harrald Street,” Ms McLachlan said.

“The time at the library has been very positive and it has been great to support our community’s wellbeing.”

Mount Gambier City Council community wellbeing acting general manager Georgina Davison thanked The Limestone Coast Pantry for its support.

“Council is very grateful for the support of The Pantry in ensuring our community continued to receive their items through click and collect services administered to the public through the café when the library was closed,” Ms Davison said.

The café area will now undergo an upgrade in the coming months as part of $145,000 allocated to it in council’s 2021/22 annual business plan and budget.

“This is an opportunity to undertake refurbishment works on the café and for us to work through how to best to use the space into the future,” Ms Davison said.

“The café is 12 years old now and needs a refresh.”

A fit for purpose kitchen will be installed in the coming months.