Happy birthday, Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library

TODAY marks a special milestone for one of Armstrong Creek’s most loved places – the first birthday of Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library.

Since opening its doors a year ago, Biyal-a has welcomed more than 120,000 visits and signed up more than 4,300 new members.

These statistics give powerful insight into what this space has come to mean for our growing Armstrong Creek community.

The 2,500sqm library was built through a partnership between the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Government and now holds a collection of more than 32,000 books and resources.

Biyal-a is much more than a building, it’s a space where families gather, children fall in love with books, young people get creative, and residents of all ages come to learn, connect and unwind.

From the moment you step inside, you feel the warmth and welcome of the space.

Whether it’s kids giggling through Toddler Time, students tucked into a quiet study nook or craft lovers and makers busying themselves in the Djilaga Makers Room, this place hums with life.

The building, designed by Buchan Architects in close collaboration with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, tells a story of living water.

‘Biyal-a’ (pronounced Be-al-a) is a Wadawurrung expression reflecting the Armstrong Creek valley-scape and its watercourse as a place of many red gums.

Inside, the textures of timber, natural light and planting all help create a space that feels open, inviting and grounded in the local environment.

I was there a few weeks ago for budget sessions and I could not help but touch the rammed earth walls – they are truly beautiful.

So it’s no surprise that Biyal-a has been recognised on the national stage – shortlisted for the 2025 Australian Interior Design Awards and recently receiving a commendation for its sustainable design.

It’s a shining example of what thoughtful, community-focused public infrastructure can look like and again shows why Geelong is Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design.

But as proud as I am of the architecture, what’s truly special is how the community has embraced Biyal-a.

With three storeys of flexible public space, creative maker spaces, meeting rooms, study zones and a dedicated children’s area, it reflects the role of modern libraries as inclusive and welcoming community hubs.

Geelong Regional Libraries offers a range of engaging programs, including digital literacy workshops, maker space sessions, movie nights, cultural events and author talks.

There are early literacy programs to provide little ones with a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and Biyal-a’s Toddler Time sessions regularly attract huge crowds, often with more than 120 participants.

Council was proud to invest more than $20 million into this project because we believe in building places that serve real community needs, now and into the future.

The Victorian Government also contributed $1.5 million to this important community asset.

Libraries are centres of lifelong learning where our residents can connect, enjoy activities, discover more about the world around them or get lost in their favourite book.

So today, we wish a happy first birthday to Biyal-a. Thank you to everyone who has helped bring this library to life – from the architects and builders to the librarians and volunteers and, above all, to the community for who it was designed.

Here’s to many more years of fostering a love of lifelong learning in the heart of Armstrong Creek.