The City of Whittlesea has recently reviewed its popular library service to inform the delivery of a future-focused service that can continue to meet the needs of the growing community.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the review had confirmed that libraries were still highly valued, not just for books but also as places of community connection.
"We know libraries are places where our communities go to meet up with friends, to enjoy programs and activities and of course to read and borrow books," she said
"We have reviewed our current service delivery model with our rapidly growing community in mind."
During 2022-2023 there were more than 259,000 visits to a library within the City of Whittlesea, with this number expected to grow to 489,350 in 2023-2024.
"We need to look at innovative ways we can deliver timely library services to our developing and newer communities," she said.
"Our Long-Term Community Infrastructure Plan has considered when and how we will roll out future library services and branches."
"We are delighted to be delivering libraries in different ways. We will be delivering library services from a shop front in the Mernda Town Centre and we're planning for a library hub at the Kirrip Community Centre in Wollert like the already popular model at Galada Community Centre in Epping North; and of course we have our successful mobile library service."
The library review, presented to the 19 September Council Meeting has confirmed that Council will continue to partner with Yarra Plenty Regional Library and neighbouring councils in delivering library services.
"The review was very helpful in enabling us to gain a picture of what the future state of libraries might look like and how we can plan for them effectively to meet the needs of our growing City of Whittlesea community," Lydia said.
