Civic Digest, a partnership by Newcastle Region Library and Civic Theatre, represents an evolution in library service delivery with digital screens, apps with library-provided content and high quality WiFi available in a café setting on the corner of Civic Theatre, located at Wheeler Place and Hunter Street.          

This project reflects Council's commitment to achieving a smart, innovative and revitalised city and follows recent moves to formalise a partnership with tech giant Cisco Systems.

Civic Digest will be a virtual branch of the Library and help breathe new life into the Civic precinct as a creative hub for people to engage with information and culture.

The recent opening of the law courts and the development of the University of Newcastle's NewSpace campus will see thousands more people converge on the Civic precinct each day.

Civic Digest will provide a perfect place for people to meet and connect with others in a setting conducive to cultural and creative pursuits.

Opening at 7.30am, Civic Digest will attract morning coffee drinkers and trade late into the evening in line with theatre operations to serve post-performance refreshments.

The menu will feature simple all-day grazing fare with high-quality coffee and Hunter wines available throughout the evening.

I strongly encourage Newcastle residents to try this fabulous new library/café as it becomes a focal point of our city's civic centre.

Council is preparing Newcastle for the myriad opportunities that will arise for commerce and investment in the digital age.

In Newcastle's future smart city, digital connectivity and internet-based infrastructure will provide the data that leads to more value creation and supports a growing culture of innovation.

A successful trial in Darby Street last year saw the introduction of sensor technology which led drivers to vacant car parks on the street and helped businesses gain insights with people counters and environmental sensors.  

For more information on what’s happening across Newcastle, inlcuding more exciting initiatives like Civic Digest, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au