On the books: State puts $1 million towards new Drysdale library development

THE Victorian Government is checking into the coming library and community hub in Drysdale with a $1 million contribution.

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney – representing Bellarine MP Lisa Neville – announced a grant from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program would go towards the $9.15 million Drysdale Regional Library and Community Hub.

At more than 1,100 square metres, the library will be more than four times as large as the town’s existing library and able to hold 8,000 more collection items, and will have 360-degree views of its surrounds.

When complete in late 2022 or early 2023, the new library will include an extensive children’s area, youth space and IT room as well as space for library programs such as children’s story time, community meetings and events.

Ms Tierney visited the future site of the Drysdale Library and Community Hub near the Murradoc Road/High Street roundabout with City of Greater Geelong councillors Jim Mason and Trent Sullivan.

“I acknowledge Lisa Neville for her ongoing support of this exciting local library project; it’s going to be an incredible asset for the northern Bellarine Peninsula,” Ms Tierney said.

“Despite being one of the smallest libraries in Greater Geelong, Drysdale’s current library is one of the most popular.

“Through this project even more local people will be able to access all the great services it provides.”

Since 2015, the Victorian Government has invested more than $32.5 million into 95 Living Libraries projects, allowing a total investment of $236.8 million for new libraries, upgrades to existing facilities and library vans.

This year’s round of the program is the biggest in its history, part of a record $56.9 million commitment to libraries from the 2020-2021 Victorian Budget.

“The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program makes a real difference for communities across the state, delivering high-quality library facilities and ensuring that all Victorians have access to a public library,” Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane said.

“Investments like this help create local jobs and ongoing employment opportunities. The Victorian Government is investing in communities and local neighbourhoods because we understand the difference projects like these can make.”

Victoria is home to 276 permanent library branches, 31 mobile library services and 71 other library outlets, with more than 2.1 million library members registered in the state.

For more information on Living Libraries and this year’s successful applications, head to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions website,