Christmas has come early for Belgrave Library with the Andrews Labor Government announcing $450,000 in funding towards a refurbishment of the library.
The Labor Government announced funding for better facilities and services at 12 libraries across the state, including Belgrave and Knox Library.
Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek and the Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor announced on 11 November that Yarra Ranges Council would receive $450,000 for the Belgrave Library refurbishment.
“Libraries are about so much more than books – they strengthen and provide vital services to Victorian communities,” Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek said.
“We’re working with councils to improve libraries right across Victoria so they can better meet the needs of their communities.”
Corporate Manager of Customer Experience at Eastern Regional Libraries, Sarah Hopkins said the refurbishment funding would further improve the library’s facilities.
“We’re very pleased to receive this funding,” she said.
“What we want to do is update the entrance area, the service desk, the multi-purpose room at the front of the library, and really make it a more flexible layout.”
The archaic view that libraries are Twentieth Century book depositories is no longer the case and the role of a library has changed immensely.
Ms Hopkins said the value that public libraries bring to a community was far more than just books.
She said libraries are now places where individuals gather to explore, interact, and imagine and that they are central to building community and supporting local culture.
“More people are coming in to work in the space … people are coming to study and it’s a Communal area where they can be alone to do work, but not alone in the world.”
“We run all the traditional programs for children, but we’re running more STEM and activity based programs. It’s extending the idea of learning a bit further and making a more holistic approach … a lot of the books are there and they are still important, of course.”
Ms Hopkins said that although the library will further expand and become more flexible under the refurbishment, she promised there would be no loss of books.
“There won’t be any loss of space for the collection – all the books will remain there.”
“We’re making the space more efficient and flexible, but maintaining the character of the building and architectural features, and maintain the strength of the book collection.”
More than nine million different items are borrowed from Victorian libraries every year and they provide a vital service for communities across the state, with 2.2 million members across 277 permanent and 30 mobile libraries.
Member for Monbulk James Merlino said the Belgrave Library was a vital asset for the Yarra Ranges.
“Libraries provide access to lifelong education opportunities and enhance our connection with the community. Belgrave Library is no exception – it’s a vital asset for the Yarra Ranges.”
“I’m delighted to see the Government supporting valuable community assets like the Belgrave Library to ensure it’s fit for purpose for years to come.”
