$400k funding for library improvements

BENDIGO Library will receive $412,586 to reconfigure its ground floor public toilets and parenting facilities as part of the Victorian government’s 2024-25 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

This builds on a $57,327 grant from the 2023-24 program to purchase and install four prefabricated meeting pods to provide quiet yet connected spaces to meet, work and study.

The provision of the pods was intended to further support local community and business with remote/hybrid work, access to Wi-Fi and technology and a place to conduct meetings.

Other projects to receive funding included Croydon Library to help build a black box theatre, multipurpose rooms and a community services co-working space.

Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos said the funding ensured libraries would continue to play an important role in fostering lifelong learning, facilitating access to information and providing a safe and supportive community space for local people.

“We know that libraries are the heart of the communities they serve, which is why we’re pleased to support these community spaces to build lasting change.”

The Victorian government has allocated more than $53.3 million over the last decade into 158 library infrastructure projects, supporting facilities in metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria.

Major upgrades will also start at Dandenong, Gisborne, Bulleen, Bayswater, Corryong and Thomastown Libraries, while smaller works will occur at Morwell, Watsonia, Ararat, Mornington Peninsula and Nagambie libraries.

The next funding round will open later this year.

For more information, head to the Victorian Local Government website.