Although the doors opened last Monday, the new library and community centre was officially unveiled at a community celebration on Saturday - 16 years after the project was first approved.

The celebration featured face painting, storytelling and music throughout the day.

Apart from a library, the state-of-the-art complex built entirely of recyclable materials includes a multi-purpose hall, five community meeting rooms and a youth centre.

Wollongong City Council approved the development of the library in 1993, acquiring all the land by 2002 after the Lawrence Hargrave Rd site was spotted for sale by David Campbell, now Minister for Illawarra.

The old Bulli and Thirroul libraries closed their doors for the final time last month.