It involves the creation of a local history centre within the library, which will double as a multipurpose space for browsing, reading, research, meetings and various programs.

The library's existing community history section was established in 2012 and has proved a useful service to uncover local and family relics.

These resources will be moved to the front of the building to drive an increase in engagement, collaboration, programming, technology and visitation.

This will complement Lake Macquarie council's recently-launched History Online website and is expected to foster partnerships between family history groups and local historical societies.

The state government has announced it will contribute $200,000 to the $550,000 project under the NSW Public Library Infrastructure program.

The council will fund the remainder of the project, which is scheduled for completion in December.

LAKE Macquarie council’s Library Service Delivery Model is progressing ‘‘as planned’’.

Passed in 2011, the model made 11 branch-specific recommendations on how to improve library services across the city. 

One suggestion was to move Cardiff Library to a shopfront in the retail area, which was carried out in March last year. 

It was recommended Belmont Library follow the same path, but backlash from the community bought it more time. 

It is scheduled for a review in April or May. 

A spokesperson said the council intended to use data from the Cardiff Library relocation to compare more accurately with progress at Belmont.

Visits to Cardiff Library have increased by 65.5per cent from last April.