Victorian Local Government Minister Nick Staikos with Goulburn Valley Libraries chief executive Felicity Macchion at Cobram Library.
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The Victorian Government has expanded library services across the Goulburn Valley, with six locations now offering extended operating hours and improved facilities through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
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Local Government Minister Nick Staikos visited Cobram Library to inspect completed upgrades, which include CCTV, automated lighting, self-service kiosks and digital resources.
Both Cobram and Nathalia libraries now operate from 8am to 8pm daily, seven days a week.
To access the Open Library program, library members will need to take part in a safety induction session where they will learn how to access to services and receive guidelines on acceptable use of the services available to them.
The services available to library members include borrowing, access to wi-fi, public PCs, study spaces and print, scan and copy services.
This membership upgrade is available only to members aged 18 and over and is subject to additional terms and conditions. Customers under 18 may access the service with a guardian who has joined the Open Library program.
Goulburn Valley Libraries chief executive Felicity Macchion welcomed the move to greater library access.
“This initiative is a fantastic addition to these library branches and the wider Goulburn Valley community. It will extend our library’s operating hours and offer a welcoming space for even more community members to enjoy,” she said.
The next step of the Open Library project was officially launched by Victorian Local Government Minister Nick Staikos at Cobram Library.
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Mr Staikos said libraries were about so much more than books.
“They foster lifelong learners and contribute to the connections that strengthen and enrich Victorian communities,” he said.
“We recognise that our libraries provide a safe, supported community space for local people in the Goulburn Valley, and provide opportunities for locals to engage in a wide range of activities.”
Similar improvements have now been implemented in the Numurkah, Euroa, Shepparton, Mooroopna, Violet Town and Avenel libraries, providing extended access to wi-fi, computers, study spaces and printing services outside regular hours.
The government has invested more than $49.3 million in 139 library infrastructure projects over the past nine years through the program, recognising libraries’ vital role in providing free public access to information, technology and literacy support.
