The popular Ballarat Library is being expanded and refurbished as the Andrews Labor Government invests in the growing community.

Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne celebrated national Library and Information Week today by visiting the Ballarat Library with Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle.

The City of Ballarat has recently opened the Ballarat Library refurbishment to tender with submissions open until August 11.

The first major redevelopment and expansion since 1993 will see the creation of a new main library entrance integrated with the Ballarat GovHub, Civic Hall and CBD.

There will also be a new second level added to the building to include a teaching space for hands-on activities like art and cooking.

The investment will expand the children’s section and create a discovery and play area, while there will also be a designated performance space and lounge area in the youth section.

Projects like this ensure that communities have improved access to digital technology and resources, literacy support services, traditional collections, event spaces and workstations.

The Government is providing $500,000 from the 2019 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program for the $7 million redevelopment.

The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program enables Victorian councils and regional library corporations to deliver new or renewed library infrastructure for their communities.

The Government has invested more than $42.6 million over the last seven years into 109 library infrastructure projects, with a total project cost of more than $297 million.

More information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program is available at: localgovernment.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne

“We know the importance of a library in a major regional town and that’s why we’re delivering high-quality facilities that the community needs and deserves.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“It’s great to see the designs for the new Ballarat Library, this is an exciting project which I can’t wait to see complete.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“As the community of Ballarat expands, it’s important they have access to a safe community space to foster lifelong learning and free access to information – that’s what the Ballarat Library refurbishment will provide.”