Ballarat’s main library will be renewed and expanded thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Government.

The Government is investing $500,000 towards the Ballarat City Council’s Library Refurbishment Project through the 2019-20 Living Libraries Infrastructure program.

Funding will see the Ballarat Library on Doveton St completely refurbished with more room for books and other collections thanks to 600 square metres of additional space.

An expanded and upgraded children’s section will be created for children’s programs, with space for storytime events for 100 people and a dedicated discovery area.

Latest Know Your Council data shows that in the last year and increased number of library users in Ballarat borrowing items on offer more frequently.

The Living Libraries program helps local councils and regional library corporations renew, redesign or rebuild existing libraries, ensuring all Victorians can enjoy and benefit from what libraries offer.

In this year’s round of funding $4.1 million has been allocated to 12 different projects including the Ballarat Library.

More than nine million different items are borrowed from Victorian libraries every year and they provide a vital service for communities across the State.

In August the Government announced $44.7 million in funding to support public libraries across Victoria to buy new books and e-resources and deliver programs including story time for children and outreach services.

Public libraries also benefit from the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, which provides an annual allocation for books and materials to support the Premiers’ Reading Challenge.

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

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The refurbished library will be an even better asset for Ballarat. We recognise the value libraries provide to communities and we’re proud to support them.”

“It’s great to see support for projects like this that will enable more of our community to access library services.”

Quotes attributable to Ballarat Mayor Ben Taylor

This is fantastic news for our staff and the thousands of people who utilise this wonderful facility.”

 “Our libraries have evolved into such diverse places of learning for all ages, and a real community hub.  This funding means we can continue to improve facilities and resources at the Ballarat Library to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our community.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek

“Libraries are about so much more than books – they strengthen and provide vital services to Victorian communities.”

“We are working with Councils to improve libraries right across Victoria so they can better meet the needs of their communities.”