New local library services are coming to Avenel and Murchison thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane has announced Goulburn Valley Libraries will receive over $120,000 from the 2021 round of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
The funding will help pay for new library kiosks in Murchison and Avenel to complement regular visits by Goulburn Valley’s mobile library vans.
The kiosks will allow residents access to library services seven days a week, not only when the van is in town.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $32.5 million into 95 Living Libraries projects, allowing a total investment of $236.8 million for new libraries, upgrades to existing facilities and library vans.
The 2021 round of the program is the biggest in its history, part of a record $56.9 million commitment to libraries from the Victorian Budget 2020/21.
Victoria is home to 276 permanent library branches, 31 mobile library services and 71 other library outlets, with more than 2.1 million library members registered in the state.
For more information on Living Libraries and this year’s successful applications visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
“The Living Libraries program is making a real difference for communities across the state, delivering high-quality facilities and ensuring that all Victorians have access to a public library.”
“Investments like this help create local jobs and ongoing library staff. We’re investing in communities and local neighbourhoods because we understand the difference projects like these can make.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“It’s great to see this this investment to bring new Library Kiosks for the Avenel and Murchison Communities.”
“Libraries are a much-loved part of the community and they are about so much more than books. Through this project even more local people will be able to access all the great services they provide.”