A new mobile library van will soon hit the rural roads of Glenelg Shire thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney has announced Glenelg Shire Council will receive $47,783 from the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
The funding will help fit out a new van with handrails and a non-slip floor to improve accessibility, solar panels and secure display spaces to serve the rural communities of Dartmoor, Merino and Digby. Glenelg Shire Council plans to decorate the van with a design by local indigenous artists.
A popular service, the Glenelg mobile library service has been running for six years, taking a wide range of library materials and free Wifi to remote areas and community events.
With the new van, the council hopes to increase engagement with local indigenous communities by visiting indigenous playgroups, kindergartens and schools.
Since 2015 the Victorian 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 2020-2021 Victorian Budget.
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 www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants/living-libraries-infrastructure-program
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“It’s great to see the Victorian Government supporting Glenelg’s mobile library service with this investment in the new van.”
“The mobile library has become a much-loved part of our community and it’s about so much more than books. Through this project even more people will be able to access all the great services it provides.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
“The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program makes a real difference for communities across the state, delivering high-quality library facilities and ensuring that all Victorians have access to a public library.”
“Investments like this help support rural communities. The Victorian Government is investing in projects like this one because we understand the difference access to learning can make.”