A new chapter for retiring GV Libraries CEO

By Taylah Baker

Apr 11, 2023

**Storybook ending:** After nine years, CEO of GV Libraries Kevin Preece has retired. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

It was just a place with books, a few computers lined across the back walls, a once charming atmosphere abandoned.

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But when Kevin Preece stepped on to the Goulburn Valley Libraries scene on April 1, 2014, the chief executive hit the ground running to restore the region’s libraries as the hub and heart of the community.

“Essentially, the aim was to move the library from a place where books are the most important thing to a place where people are the most important — less book-space more people-space,” he said.

The rigorous process of rebranding libraries as such was not easy.

Despite libraries being a prominent destination in childhood, many people had not returned since and the question was, how does one lift the profile of libraries to re-engage those who have now grown up and lost interest?

“When I came along, we started to do a lot more promotion in the library space, both through traditional media as well as social media to expand our online presence,” Mr Preece said.

“Since then, it’s grown dramatically and close to 30 per cent of the population are members of the library ... it’s probably the biggest membership group you’ll find in the area and in the state.”

Mr Preece’s unwavering commitment led GV Libraries through many significant development and improvement projects to catapult libraries into the modern era.

“We’ve implemented a lot more online e-resources — e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines. All available and downloadable for members ... the loans of these have gone through the roof,” he said.

“Our program now includes regularly visiting authors, an increase in children’s story-times, social seniors programs for people to learn how to use their smart devices, and many more social interactions to combat isolation.”

Nine years later, the esteemed chief executive is ready to close the book on this chapter and pass the torch to his successor, Felicity Macchion.

“Felicity’s already talking about implementing some exciting new initiatives, and there may still be some little projects of mine for her to finish,” Mr Preece said with a cheeky grin.

Mr Preece said it was an honour to oversee the transformation and renewal of all 11 libraries under his supervision.

“A lot of the achievements over the last nine years couldn’t have happened without our dedicated staff, the mobile library and our head office here in Shepparton,” he said.

“I want to thank all the board members of GV Libraries for supporting me throughout my journey, as well as the staff at the three councils who help us do what we do.”

And what will Mr Preece do next?

If you ask his wife, Donna, there are a few jobs lined up at home, but if you ask him, there is work to be done on the golf course.