The City of Melbourne is abolishing library fines and investing $1.4 million in renewing physical and digital collections over the coming year, to make sure that libraries remain free and accessible to everyone.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the City of Melbourne's libraries were visited by almost 1.5 million people each year before the pandemic.
"More than a million people accessed our services during the lockdown, with free access to more than 230,000 physical items along with movies, books and audiobooks," the Lord Mayor said.
City of Melbourne will invest $1 million to turn vacant shopfronts into pop-up libraries to help reinvigorate the central city.
"The pop-up library program will help spread the love for libraries across the city, while making use of temporarily vacant spaces," the Lord Mayor said.
The libraries will offer popular titles and programs including story time, book clubs, and technology demonstrations.
Creative Melbourne lead Councillor Jamal Hakim said the funding for libraries outlined in the draft Budget 2021-22 comes after last month's decision to abolish library fines, forgoing $136,000 in revenue over the next year.
"Fines disproportionality affect those who need library services the most, such as the socially and economically disadvantaged, young people and people experiencing homelessness," Cr Hakim said.
"Libraries can also have a positive economic impact on a city because they support other sectors, drive visitation and bring in more creativity and innovation."
Fines for overdue items in 2019 averaged $2.43 per item, with more than 84,000 charges incurred.
The city operates six libraries across the municipality: City Library, Kathleen Syme, Library at the Dock, East Melbourne, North Melbourne and Southbank. According to 2018 research, every dollar invested in public libraries in Victoria generates $4.30 of benefits to the local community.
The draft Budget includes $4.8 million for seven creative funding programs, including the Annual Arts Grants, Quick Response Arts Grants, Arts and Creative Investment Partnerships and the Triennial Arts Grants. Collectively artists contribute $31 billion annually to the Victorian economy.
"Research shows that for every million dollars we spend on creative projects we generate an increase in visitation and subsequent tourist spending of $4.2 million," Cr Hakim said.
Education and Innovation lead, Councillor Davydd Griffiths, said council will invest $180,000 to continue delivering The Couch International Student Centre to support the wellbeing of international students.
"International students enrich our culture and boost the city's economy, while adding bright young minds to our thriving knowledge sector," Cr Griffiths said.
"As students are often separated from family and support networks, it's important that services like The Couch provide a place to make friends, volunteer, learn new skills and connect with their local community."
To have your say, visit participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/council-plan-and-budget
- Library fines abolished
- $1.4 million investment on new digital and print collections
- $1 million to turn vacant shopfronts into pop-up libraries
- $4.8 million on creative programs, including arts grants
- $1.1 million on the Yirramboi First Nations arts festival
