VICTORIAN public libraries will receive a significant boost, with $48.1 million allocated through the latest round of the Public Libraries Funding Program. The investment is designed to strengthen the vital services libraries provide and highlight their growing role as community hubs across the state.
The program provides annual funding to councils, regional library corporations, Connected Libraries Ltd, My Community Library Ltd, Your Library Ltd and Vision Australia. Together, these organisations deliver a broad range of services and activities through 293 branches statewide.
Support covers everything from maintaining physical and electronic collections, to providing IT facilities, running outreach initiatives, and delivering diverse programs for all ages.
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos said the investment reflects the value Victorians place on their libraries.
“We are supporting our terrific community libraries and the endless access to knowledge, social connection and entertainment they offer all Victorians,” he said.
“Our libraries offer so much more than books – they foster lifelong learning and contribute to the connections that strengthen and enrich Victorian communities.”
Victorian Public Library Ambassador Andrea Rowe welcomed the funding, noting its importance for creativity and education.
“With this funding, libraries can continue to inspire creativity and foster learning in communities right across Victoria,” she said.
Libraries have evolved well beyond their traditional role as book lenders. Today, they provide access to e-resources, free wifi, computers, meeting rooms, art spaces, and programs for children, youth, and adults. They also offer a safe and inclusive environment where people can gather, learn, and connect.
Since 2015, more than $498.5 million has been invested through the Public Libraries Funding Program. This sustained support has helped libraries expand their role as trusted spaces for education, digital access, cultural engagement, and community wellbeing.
Public libraries continue to prove themselves as essential to community life, offering opportunities for both personal growth and collective connection. With the latest round of funding, these institutions are well positioned to continue serving Victorians of all ages into the future.
What’s new at local libraries
In Mitchell Shire, residents can borrow a home energy and water efficiency tool kit—a suitcase of resources, equipment and technological devices to help measure energy used around the home and it is exciting that the young, and young at heart can also borrow a Nature Explorer’s kit to further develop or spark curiosity about indoor and outdoor environments.
Libraries are at the heart of sharing information and at the City of Whittlesea Libraries, digital connection matters.
Its short-term program, ‘Tech Help’ is for residents who need assistance with technology, mobile devices, navigating the internet and even using the libraries digital catalogue.
To book a 30-minute session scan the QR code on this page.
Tech help events are scheduled to run frequently until Wednesday, December 10 at the Whittlesea Library, at 57-61 Laurel Street in Whittlesea from 6pm to 7:30pm.
Across the Great Divide at one of the Macedon Ranges Libraries; The Romsey Hub Library also delivers more than just books, it is a place for a range of community services and social connections.
Its ‘What’s On program’ features a raft of events and activities to keep the whole family busy.
To acknowledge National Mental Health Month they are facilitating an author talk featuring Jacqui Louise Swallows and her book The Bipolar Runner.
Ms Swallow will share the story of her journey, one of pushing and challenging herself, defying expectations, and achieving something truly exceptional.
There will be book sales and signings following the event on Saturday, October 11, at 98 Main Street Romsey, from 11am to 12pm.
