Our 15 much-loved libraries will remain within a Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) library network when Victorian Government law changes kick in, with no disruption to service expected for the community
The Local Government Act 2020 requires regional library corporations to transition to a new enterprise model by 1 July 2031 that has stronger governance, transparency, accountability and strategic alignment.
Council last night committed to transition the municipality's libraries to a new Company Limited by Guarantee that maintains a shared service with other regional councils and the corporation.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The other options presented would've seen the City leave the GRLC network and either operate an in-house service just for Greater Geelong or lead a regional consortium.
The new model will ensure continuity of service for our community, minimise financial risk and provide economies of scale by being part of a regional partnership.
The review also identified areas of improvement that ensure Council's significant financial investment is delivering the most value for the community.
The GRLC is consistently ranked as one of the highest performing library services in the state by Public Library Victoria and this resolution goes towards ensuring that the quality remains high.
Modern libraries deliver far more than books, with free access to technology, digital literacy support, learning opportunities, programs, employment resources, connection and safe spaces. Libraries promote lifelong learning, wellbeing, inclusion and participation, particularly for vulnerable community members.
Every year, our library network attracts around 1.4 million visits and 2.9 million loans, with a strong and active membership base of more than 118,000 members (representing 30 per cent of the regional population).
These figures reinforce Council's continued advocacy for the Victorian Government to increase operational and infrastructure funding for public libraries.
Historically, Victorian public libraries were funded through a genuine partnership between state and local governments, with the state's contributions being nearly 50 per cent of operating costs. However, declining Victorian Government contributions and cost shifting means councils now fund approximately 80 per cent.
GRLC deputy chair Councillor Elise Wilkinson
The Public Libraries Funding Program has remained unchanged since 2019.
As our population grows and many people battle the rising cost of living while juggling work, study and family commitments, access to free library resources is more vital than ever.
We're yet to see the Victorian Government fulfill its promises to lift the grant and review the funding formula, despite it acknowledging that libraries are critical to the state's social and economic wellbeing.
We need a consistent increase in funding in order to ensure our libraries can be maintained and grow into the future.
