Acting CEO Kaarina Phyland:
Following discussions between the City of Greater Geelong and the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, we are pleased that they have committed not to close any libraries. We discussed means available to them other than reducing services, which we hope they will take up.The City never supported the closure of libraries and this outcome is positive for the community.
We have advised the GRLC that construction of the new Armstrong Creek Library will not be complete in time for the service to open during the 2023-24 financial year. This will reduce their expenses for the year.
We are facing a challenging next financial year, as are many governments, and the situation for the City is likely to be improved next year. In the short-term we appreciate our service providers working with us to operate as efficiently as possible so that the impact on the community is minimised.
Mayor Trent Sullivan:
I am glad that the GRLC have been able to collaborate with the City to find a way not to close libraries.The Council values the role that libraries play in the community and we were determined that all libraries in our region would remain open.
We look forward to the GRLC minimising service impacts on the community through the means they have available.
