Victorian Government commits $3.4 million in funding for living libraries

The Victorian Government is to provide 10 Victorian libraries with more than $3.4 million to refurbish or develop new facilities from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
Making the announcement Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell stated that the "Government is committed to the continual upgrade of Victoria's highly regarded, heavily patronised public library network
"More than $3.4 million will be shared between libraries in Apollo Bay, Bendigo, Bright, Lake Bolac, Melton, Myrtleford, the Southern Grampians, Sunshine, Trentham and Yackandandah.
"I am delighted these 10 libraries will be able to provide their local communities with access to improved facilities that better place them to meet the changing needs of library users
"A library is often the heart of a community; it is where a student will conduct research, a parents' group will meet for children's story time, and a newly-arrived immigrant will use the Internet to chat with friends and family overseas.
"Libraries are important community hubs and the Coalition Government is committed to improving life long learning opportunities for Victorians by improving access to the range of services libraries offer.
"Libraries are essential public infrastructure that bring the community together and connect it to the wider world and the Coalition Government will continue to make a substantial investment in Victoria's public library network.
"To ensure the Victorian Government's substantial investment in public libraries achieves value for money, I have also established a Ministerial Advisory Council on public libraries.

"The MAC is undertaking a comprehensive review of public libraries in Victoria and providing advice for a long-term strategic direction on improving library services across Victoria.

"The review will analyse the current use and future needs of libraries as well as developing trends including the impact of emerging technologies and the use of libraries for wider public purposes.

"Libraries now offer a far greater range of services than the traditional book lending services that were previously their mainstay.

"The Premiers' $4.5 million Reading Challenge Book Fund is another means by which the Coalition Government is improving the quality of services offered by our public libraries.

"The recent distribution of $1 million from the Book Fund is an important component of the Coalition Government's investment in encouraging Victoria's young people to read more widely on their journey to lifelong learning."