Funding boost for libraries

By Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool has received the latest chapter of State Government funding into libraries, with more than a quarter of a million dollars allocated to local services.

The Public Libraries Funding Program provides annual funding to councils, and in the latest round allocated $48.1 million, with $281,655 going to Moorabool.

Council CEO Derek Madden said the program provided crucial funding to the library services provided across Moorabool Shire.

“This is part of the recurrent funding Council receives every year from the State Government that is used to support the operation of our library service. We offer fantastic services and programs at both Lerderderg Library and Ballan Library, in addition to our mobile service to our smaller communities in the Shire,” Mr Madden told the Moorabool News.

Member for Melton, Steve McGhie, said it was important to continue supporting libraries in the growing region.

“It’s great to see the Government continuing to support the Melton and Moorabool Councils to deliver high-quality resources for our community through the Public Libraries Funding Program,” Mr McGhie said.

“As our community grows, so do their needs. This funding will provide the Melton & Moorabool communities to have improved access to digital technology and resources, literacy support services, traditional collections, event spaces and workstations.”

Across Victoria, over two million library members borrow more than 31 million items from libraries annually.

The State Government has invested over $354 million through the Public Libraries Funding Program since 2015.