Public libraries across Victoria will share in just under $50 million for the next financial year to ensure library functions can grow and develop.
The State Government announced that $48.1 million has been allocated through the latest round of the Public Libraries Funding Program to promote education and innovation among young Victorians.
“With this funding, libraries can continue to inspire creativity and foster learning in communities right across Victoria,” Victorian Public Library Ambassador Andrea Rowe said.
The program was established to provide annual funds for councils, regional library corporations, Connected Libraries Ltd, My Community Library Ltd, Your Library Ltd and Vision Australia, and supports a range of essential community activities and services delivered every day across 293 branches statewide.
This includes everything from physical and electronic collection of items, information technology facilities, delivery of library and outreach programs, and the raft of other services provided by public libraries across Victoria.
Libraries are no longer a place just for borrowing books. They are places where the community can access e-resources, wifi, computers, meeting rooms, art spaces, and diverse child, youth, and adult programs.
“We are supporting our terrific community libraries and the endless access to knowledge, social connection and entertainment they offer all Victorians,” local government minister Nick Staikos said.
“Our libraries offer so much more than books – they foster lifelong learning and contribute to the connections that strengthen and enrich Victorian communities.”
Public libraries are vibrant community hubs that offer a safe space for social interaction, digital connection, lifelong learning and rich, cultural experiences.
