APPROXIMATELY 94,000 people who utilise the services through the Greater Hamilton Library annually will benefit from an injection of $176,636 granted to the Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) to expand book collections, boost online services and other library programs.
The Victorian Government’s Public Libraries Funding Program has allocated $48.1 million for the 2022-2023 financial year for the more than two million library members who borrow more than 31 million items from libraries in Victoria every year.
Local libraries are much-loved community facilities that provide valuable library services to communities with the impetus for this funding being to help the libraries recover from the impacts the pandemic had on their facilities and services.
SGSC mayor, Bruach Colliton, said it was great to see our library once again acknowledged and supported to maintain its high-quality service and the valuable resources it offers in a safe space for our community.
“We are privileged to offer a much-loved library service to patrons across the Southern Grampians,” he said.
“Whether you are interested in books, participating in children’s programs, accessing home delivery services, or need help with digital literacy – there is a whole range of opportunities just waiting to be accessed at the library.”
“Local Government minister, Melissa Horne, said the funding supports learning and education and will ensure that libraries can continue to provide accessible and engaging resources to communities across Victoria.
Western Victoria MP, Jaala Pulford, said it was great to see the government continuing to support the Southern Grampians Shire Libraries and Resource Centres to deliver high-quality resources for our community through the Public Libraries Funding Program.
“As our community grows, so do their needs,” she said.
“This funding will provide the Southern Grampians Shire community to have improved access to digital technology and resources, literacy support services, traditional collections, event spaces and work stations.”
For more information on our Library services or to see what’s on, visit the Greater Hamilton Library Facebook page.
