The state government says it has invested ‘record’ amounts in services and resources for its 276 library branches and 28 mobile units.
The Victorian government has announced a total of $47.4 million for libraries in 2021-22.
An additional $9.3 million over four years has been committed in the state budget for new books and collection items, as well as expanding online library services and community programs.
Local government minister Shaun Leane said in a statement that councils, regional library corporations and Vision Australia were all beneficiaries of the record spend on ‘lifelong learning’.
“Libraries are such an important resource – from big inner-city centres to smaller operations in regional and rural Victoria, they provide a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can expand their worlds,” Leane said.
The minister joined a virtual conference co-hosted by the State Library and Public Libraries Victoria from 14-16 June which explored innovative library design and the role libraries play in creating a thriving and sustainable world.
Leane said that from the second half of 2021 libraries could make an application for the latest round of funding in the state’s $10.1 million ‘living libraries infrastructure program’ that offers grants to build and upgrade new facilities.
The $1.1 million premiers’ reading challenge book fund will also be offering libraries new books and materials to support young readers in 2021-22.
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