Libraries need a lifeline

Photo by Dirk Ribbler on Unsplash

Public libraries play a vital role in our communities by providing access to books, resources, and programs that promote learning and community engagement. However, due to rising costs, some public libraries in Victoria have had to reduce their operating hours, cut staff, and limit program delivery, putting these vital and well-loved services at risk.

This blog post explores why operational funding for public libraries is essential, what programs and services are offered, and how additional funding can help.

The Importance of Public Libraries

Public libraries in Victoria have over 2 million members, serving almost 1 in 3 Victorians. Our libraries deliver almost 58,000 programs to over 800,000 people every year, with 200 programs on offer every single day. These include:

• BabyTime, ToddlerTime and StoryTime
  Programs that teach parents how to engage their children in reading and foster pre-literacy skills.
• The BIG Summer Read
  A statewide program that addresses the loss of reading proficiency in children over the summer holidays.
• Inter-library loans
  Sharing collections between libraries allows users to access any book they want to read or study, even if their local library does not have it.
• Inclusive events
  Programs delivered…