City of Fremantle and Town of East Fremantle enter partnership to deliver library services

Fremantle Library will continue its services to residents of East Fremantle after the City of Fremantle and Town of East Fremantle signed a Service Agreement for the provision of library services last week.

The five-year agreement will see the Town pay an annual contribution, based on the number of active library members residing in East Fremantle, to the City. In return East Fremantle residents will gain access to an impressive suite of services and will be able to access the City’s new library when it opens in early 2021.

While Fremantle Library already provides the Western Australian public with essential library products, services and access to the book collections and catalogue for free, there are additional localised services that are only available to ratepayers.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt welcomed the agreement, which would see East Fremantle residents now have access to the Better Beginnings Early Literacy Program, Freo Toy Library memberships at a reduced rate and the Town’s local history resources.

“I encourage our East Fremantle neighbours to take advantage of the opportunities and excellent community programs that are available to them at Fremantle Library,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Our incredible state-of-the-art library at Kings Square is nearing completion and opening next year, so it’s an exciting time for all Fremantle and East Fremantle residents to rediscover their local library.”

East Fremantle Mayor Jim O’Neill said the library Service Agreement was a win for East Fremantle residents.

“This agreement is a great result for our residents, as they are able to access an exciting range of print, online, early childhood literacy services and digital services at the Fremantle Library, but at a fraction of what it would cost us to create such services locally,” Mayor O’Neill said.

The library Service Agreement is in place for five years, with an option to renew in 2025.

Fremantle Library, located at Fremantle Oval, is open 9am–6pm Monday to Thursday, 9am–5pm Fridays, 9am–1pm Saturdays and 11am–3pm Sundays.

To become a Fremantle Library member, visit the City’s website. 

Image: East Fremantle Mayor Jim O’Neill and Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt at the signing of the library Service Agreement.