But it is debatable whether the same could be said of our indoor cultural spaces, in particular, our libraries.

Our northern neighbour, Bellingen, boasts three library services to our two, despite having a population half the size of the Nambucca’s.

Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie will soon house new state-of-the-art libraries, and Kempsey has just received a much-needed library overhaul too.

So it’s fair to say we have a bit of catching up to do.

“While a library service is more than its buildings, Nambucca’s two library buildings currently constrain and delimit what’s possible in terms of a broader service offering,” the Nambucca Library Services Interim Report said, which was presented to council last week.

The report proffered three different scenarios which outlined specific trajectories for the future of our libraries: expansion, specialisation and consolidation.

Suggestions under the expansion model include an extension of the Nambucca Heads Library and a retrofitting of the existing building, improved connections to the large and small halls, and a repurposing of the small hall into a gallery space. The reimagined outside courtyard area could become a wifi hub and a space for artisan markets.

That scenario also envisages an extension of the services offered at the Macksville Library, with a new purpose-built Aboriginal Learning and Culture Centre, and a rebranding of the Senior Citizen’s Hall as a Community Centre, complete with modern furnishings and lighting; a fresh space which could operate as a co-working, rehearsal, event, and meeting space. The expansion could include a kitchen fit-out for library staff, and the existing library building would be outfitted with improved lighting and furniture, moveable shelving, and RFID (self-servicing) checkout stations.

“Given the catalyst for change presented by the recent highway bypass, the reinterpretation of the Macksville Library and surrounds would help instantiate a real civic heart to the town,” the report said.

And finally, the scenario suggests the current library service could be extended to Bowraville in the form of a retrofitted shopfront acting as a digital learning hub, complete with the latest in digital technologies, platforms and devices.

Scenario two is a ‘use it or lose it’ approach and looks at streamlining the current library services’ collections, by limiting itself to proven areas of need like creative ageing/brain health, youth-oriented programs, digital skills training, and creative arts support.

“This scenario requires the library service to stop doing things in order to do other things. It should stop trying to be all things to all people,” the report said.

Under this approach, the extension of the Nambucca Heads Library would go ahead as outlined in the expansion model.

The report notes that this model would be the most likely to attract grant funding.

And finally, under the consolidation model, the report suggests that we bite the bullet and realise that library staff are already stretched, with current services relying heavily on the support of volunteers.

It recommends moving the locus of the Shire’s library services to Nambucca Heads and selling or repurposing the Macksville Library.

These scenarios are still mere outlines for the future of our libraries and no decision will be made without proper community consultation.

However, council was asked to give an indication of their preferred strategy during last week’s meeting, and they unanimously voted in favour of scenario number one, the expansion approach.