Plan delivers new library service for Mulgrave
Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said the establishment of the Mulgrave Neighbourhood Library, expected to open in early 2013, is an important component of the broader Strengthening Mulgrave Community Action Plan launched today.
Launching the plan, Member for the South Eastern Metropolitan Region Inga Peulich, said the use of existing space at the Wellington Reserve Community Centre would make library services available in Mulgrave at a fraction of the cost and time required for a new structure.
"As a result of the Strengthening Mulgrave Community Action Plan, residents will be able to come to this Neighbourhood House and access almost everything available at a stand-alone library," Ms Peulich said.
"Book lovers will soon be able to browse the shelves, and order books from any of the five Monash City libraries to be delivered here for collection.
"Students will be able to easily access the entire Monash Library Service collection here, get help from the homework club, or use the public internet access computers for research.
"Families will love the children's story times in the same building as their childcare centre, and we hope that seeing it all in the one place will encourage the children to embrace reading and foster a love for lifelong learning," Ms Peulich said.
Mrs Powell said the Mulgrave Neighbourhood Library was one the most innovative projects to receive funding to date from the Victorian Coalition Government's $17.2
million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
"Victorian libraries are at the very heart of our communities. They are much loved and well used with almost 50
per cent of Victorians belonging to a local library," Mrs Powell said.The Victorian Government provided $35,000 for the development of the Strengthening Mulgrave Community Action Plan and $6,000 from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program. The Monash City Council provided $6,000 towards the Mulgrave Neighbourhood Library.
Ms Peulich said the Coalition Government continues to work with local government on projects that deliver long-term positive benefits and help build strong communities.
