A review of libraries in the City of Whittlesea has confirmed that council will continue to partner with Yarra Plenty Regional Library and neighbouring councils in delivering library services.
The review, presented at the September council meeting, looked at the delivery of a future-focused service that would 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, which is 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.”
