Councils ask residents what they want from their libraries

Councils ask residents what they want from their libraries

Published on 26 February 2021

The residents of two South-West Victorian Shires are being asked to help shape the future of their local libraries.

Corangamite and Moyne shires are committed to library services when Corangamite Regional Library Corporation (CRLC) members Warrnambool City and Colac-Otway Shire leave the partnership at the end of this financial year.

Corangamite Shire Mayor Ruth Gstrein said the Shires were seeking public input to develop a new business model.

“Libraries are a really important part of many people’s lives, she said.

“They’re a source of information, entertainment and social connections. They allow people to access technology and run a wide range of education and literacy programs.

“If you use your local library, let us know what you want from it. If you don’t, tell us why not and what would motivate you to use the service.

“Together we can come up with a plan on how to we can continue to provide those valuable services to our communities.”

The libraries will continue to operate under the CRLC banner for 12 months after the two departing councils exit on 30 June 2021. During that time the future name, branding, and operating structure will be developed.

Cr Gstrein said there would be discussions with other regional councils about possible new partnerships to share resources and consolidate costs.

Moyne Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Meade said the two Councils are working closely together to develop a management model that continues to deliver quality library services.

“With Warrnambool and Colac-Otway leaving the library services partnership, Moyne and Corangamite now have an opportunity to review how our libraries operate, and what programs and services they deliver,” Cr Meade said.

“We want input from the community about current and potential future library services, so that the new management model best delivers what our residents want and need from their local libraries, while also encouraging increased usage.”

Corangamite Regional Library Corporation CEO Phil Howard said: CRLC has drafted a transitional budget for the 2021/22 financial year for consideration by Corangamite and Moyne shires which is focused on further developing the preferred business model of library services for the two shires.

“We are excited as a Corporation to be part of the process to assist the councils to move to a cost efficient and improved regional model of library management.

“In consultation with the communities of the municipalities, and working closely with its members, CRLC will provide a smooth transition in 2022 for library customers with services designed for local needs and expectations”.

Residents are encouraged to fill in the survey at corangamite.vic.gov.au/Library and moyne.vic.gov.au/Your-Say/LibraryServices or pick up a hard copy from

their local library in Corangamite Shire Corangamite Shire Civic Centre, 181 Manifold Street, Camperdown Moyne Shire Offices Princes Street, Port Fairy 1 Jamieson Avenue, Mortlake Port Fairy Community Services Centre, 16 Atkinson Street, Port Fairy Port Fairy Library, 65 Sackville Street, Port Fairy Koroit Library, 102 High Street, Koroit Mortlake Community Hub, 101 Dunlop Street, Mortlake