Council has secured a $111,599 funding grant from the Victorian’s Governments Living Libraries Infrastructure program to purchase and fit out a new mobile library van.
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP announced the grant with Golden Plains Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Helena Kirby, Golden Plains Shire Cr and Geelong Regional Libraries Board Member Owen Sharkey at the scheduled weekly mobile library visit in Meredith on Thursday.
The grant will see the purchase and fit out of a new mobile library van to replace the existing mobile library, which is no longer suitable for the service and expensive to run. The new van will enhance the current service offering, providing greater flexibility and reach in locations, service offerings and staffing, and being more economical to run. The smaller van will be accessible, with a wheelchair hoist to be included in the fit out of the van, alongside shelving, equipment and library resources.
In addition to the Living Libraries Infrastructure funding grant, Council will contribute $37,000 to deliver the purchase and fit out of the new mobile library.
Council partners with Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation to deliver the mobile library service across nine townships in Golden Plains Shire. The Mobile Library provides residents with access to a variety of books, audiobooks, DVDs and magazines, as well as the ability to access any of Geelong Regional Libraries’ 400,000 library items by requesting a hold through the online catalogue.
Quotes attributable to Golden Plains Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Helena Kirby
“Council is delighted to partner with the Victorian Government to be able to deliver a new mobile library for residents in Golden Plains.
“Council’s mobile library is one of our most valuable and beloved services, and the new van will support more Golden Plains residents to become active library members and take advantage of the regular weekly visits to nine townships across the Shire.”
Quotes attributable to Geelong Regional Libraries CEO Vanessa Schernickau
“Geelong Regional Libraries acknowledges the Victorian Government and Council funding that will allow us to continue to provide invaluable services to residents across Golden Plains Shire.
“Feedback from the community continues to demonstrate just how important the mobile library service is providing access to our vast collection, social connection, practical tech help and library programs and activities.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“Libraries are more than just a book lending service - they provide community connection and inspire lifelong learning.
“From Dereel to Grenville, and Rokewood to Meredith, Golden Plains Shire do an amazing job of bringing libraries to local communities.
“I am so pleased that this funding will make sure that the Shire’s great work can continue, because everyone should experience the benefits of libraries, no matter where they live.”