The new library station at The Well in Smythesdale will improve services for residents in the north of Golden Plains Shire, complementing the popular mobile library service that visits nine local townships.
Located opposite Council’s Customer Service desk, the station will allow library members to pick up books placed on hold and borrow and return all library items at the new computer terminal. The station is now accessible to all members from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The mobile library service to The Well in Smythesdale will continue with its usual visiting hours: 10.30am to 12pm every Friday, and 9am to 12pm on the third Saturday of every month.
In addition to its Smythesdale service, the Golden Plains Mobile Library visits Enfield, Meredith and Rokewood every Thursday; and Cape Clear, Haddon and Linton every Friday. The mobile library also makes regular visits to Dereel and Grenville. For the full mobile library schedule, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/residents/my-community/libraries
The big bus is wheelchair accessible and stocked with a substantial collection of books, magazines, DVDs and CDS, as well as printing and copying facilities. The dedicated mobile librarian can sign up new members with an ID and explain all the library services available to Golden Plains’ residents.
In Golden Plains, the Bannockburn Library also provides a full range of public library services and 15,000 print and multimedia item collections to the general community, with a children’s area and youth space, outdoor reading courtyard and public internet/multiuse computers. The Bannockburn Library at 27 High Street is open Monday to Saturday.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey says the new station will deliver a better library service for residents of the Shire’s northern towns at the busy centre in Smythesdale.
“Council is excited to have the new library station up and running at The Well in Smythesdale, delivering a valuable service for book pick-up and library collection returns that’s now open to all residents in the north of the Shire 45 hours a week. Library regulars will still enjoy full-service mobile library visits in Smythesdale every Friday morning and every month on Saturday, and now this additional service provides a convenient option to encourage more Golden Plains Shire residents to become active library members.”
“Council’s mobile library is one of our most valuable and beloved services, with regular visits to nine townships across the Shire. Membership is free and all residents are encouraged to stop by and sign up with our mobile librarian, who is ready to assist with all our library services.”
“The Well in Smythesdale is a very busy community hub and it’s the perfect place for the new library station. Last year, Council extended its Customer Service hours to better serve residents in the north of the Shire and more people than ever are visiting The Well to access medical services with Ballarat Community Health, shop at the local pharmacy, visit the office of the Woady Yaloak Historical Society, join Council’s parent group and new Smythesdale youth group, access Council’s Customer Service and Maternal and Child Health Services, or attend a community event or meeting.”