MELBOURNE, 4 February 2025: People in Victoria are all set to have better public library facilities for their intellectual, educational and social needs. The Victorian government led by Premier Jacinta Allan, has allocated $ 4 million to upgrade public libraries and related activities.
There are 291 public library branches, 233 mobile library stops, and 72 other library outlets in Victoria, says the Public Libraries Victoria. The new grants program called the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, can be shared by libraries across Victoria.
A media release says, “The Allan Labor Government is delivering better libraries and library programs for Victorians by upgrading libraries, supporting education programs and delivering mobile library vans across the state.”
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos visited the Knox Library to officially open the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program grants round, with successful libraries able to share in more than $4 million.
Nick Staikos said, “Libraries are spaces for everyone in the community – and we’re stepping up to support better libraries with more services for Victorians.”
“I look forward to councils and libraries applying for these grants so we can work with them to deliver more of the spaces and services that communities rely on.”
Public libraries provide free services for communities across Victoria, including internet access and education programs – where the Labor Government claims it has invested almost $50 million into 139 library infrastructure projects over the last nine years.
This current funding offer can be used to support library upgrades and services like mobile library vans – reaching readers that would not otherwise have access to library services.
Last year’s funding round supported Thomastown Library with $178,000 to build workstations with attached cribs for parents who work or study.
It also provided $200,000 to revitalise the Mount Waverley and Wheelers Hill libraries, and $187,000 for Goulburn Valley Regional Library Corporation to purchase and fit out an outreach van.
Grant applications are now open until 14 March 2025.
For more information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and application process, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos said, “Libraries are spaces for everyone in the community – and we’re stepping up to support better libraries with more services for Victorians.”
“I look forward to councils and libraries applying for these grants so we can work with them to deliver more of the spaces and services that communities rely on.”
