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Gisborne Library Set For Significant Upgrade Works

28 February 2017

Gisborne Library will undergo a major upgrade thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins has announced a $364,000 overhaul of the library as part of the current round of the Labor Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

Floorspace in the main library area will be increased, carpet will be replaced, new portable data/power cabling will be installed and bay windows will be installed to create more seating space.

It will also create a new courtyard to the rear of the building to enhance the library’s capacity to host events and the roof will be refurbished.

Located in the Macedon Ranges Shire, the Gisborne Library is part of the Goldfields Library Corporation.

The $4.5 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program provides grants to develop or redevelop libraries across the state. The funding comes on top of the record Labor Government funding for libraries provided to councils as part of the $41.5 million Public Libraries Funding Program.

Victoria is home to 275 permanent library branches and 30 mobile library services, with more than 2.1 million library members registered in the state. According to Know Your Council residents in Macedon Ranges are frequent library users, borrowing books at a higher rate than the state wide average.

Victoria's public library networks received more than 30.1 million visits in 2015-16, while more than 9 million website visits were recorded during this period.

In 2015-16 an average of 316 people out of every thousand attended a cultural, literacy or skill development program at a Victorian public library - up 4 per cent on the previous year.

Works on the Gisborne Library will start in March 2017 with an expected December 2017 finish date.

Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins

“Libraries are a key part of every community and that is why we are providing record funding to ensure they are well supported.”

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas

“This much needed funding will ensure the Gisborne Library remains at the heart of our community, connecting people of all ages and interests to the world through the collection and online resources.

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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