Up to $750,000 is available to improve public library facilities and make them more accessible
Overview
The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program is a program designed to improve Victorian public libraries and make them more accessible that meets the changing needs of communities.
Objective
The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program aims to:
- provide new or improved public library infrastructure
- support the role of public libraries in strengthening communities and encouraging opportunities for
community participation - encourage and create lifelong learning opportunities for Victorian communities
- facilitate free access to information and reading resources.
Funding
Councils and regional libraries are eligible to apply for up to $750,000 to go towards a new, renovated or refurbished public library building or for a mobile library.
Eligible Projects
Grants from Living Libraries Infrastructure Program can be used for:
- construction works
- permanent fixtures and fittings
- construction of a new library for a community that does not have a public library building or to replace an existing public library
- conversion of an existing non-library building for library use
- renovation/refurbishment or extension of an existing library building
- incorporation of a public library space as an element of a broader community facility
- a new mobile library, interior refurbishment of an existing mobile library or partial replacement of a
mobile library
The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program supports activities that deliver and demonstrate benefits for the community and/or aim to improve community engagement and access to learning opportunities. In line with this:
- buildings must be accessible and meet the appropriate standards for persons with disabilities
- projects that demonstrate flexibility and innovation in meeting the long-term needs of the community
- projects that incorporate principles of environmental sustainable design
Eligible Applicants
Councils and regional library corporations are invited to submit an expression of interest.
Timing
Application closes on 1 October 2015
Media Release
Victoria’s public libraries will receive a much needed boost thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
The Victorian Budget 2016/17 provides $22.4 million over four years, with $5.6 million in ongoing funding, to bolster the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and the Premier’s Reading Challenge Book Fund.
Visiting Oakleigh’s library today, Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins acknowledged the important role public libraries play in local communities as places of learning and as a point of access to community services.
The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program helps councils meet growing community needs by helping fund public library infrastructure projects across Victoria.
It provides grants to councils and regional library services for capital works to improve libraries, leveraging investment to build new libraries and upgrade facilities to expand services and meet growing demand. Contributions are sought from councils which are not small and regional.
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund commenced in 2005 and provides funds for public libraries to purchase new books and other materials to boost participation in the annual Premiers’ Reading Challenge.
The Labor Government also provides $41.5 million per year for councils to use to buy books and to assist in library services.
Victoria is home to 272 permanent library branches and 29 mobile library services. There were more than 46 million items loaned from Victorian libraries in 2014-15, with more than seven million Wi-Fi and PC bookings. Almost two million people attended programs provided by library services across the state.
An independent KPMG review of public library funding in Victoria was also released today – recommending continued investment in current programs such as the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, and exploring options for shared services across Victoria’s library services.
To read the report visit http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au/local-government.
