The Allan Labor Government is supporting lifelong learning for the Moonee Valley community, with Ascot Vale Library the latest to benefit from major upgrades delivered through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos today joined local member for Essendon Danny Pearson and Public Libraries Victoria CEO Angela Savage at the newly re-opened Ascot Vale Library to announce the completion of the library's redevelopment.
The Ascot Vale Library redevelopment has delivered a modern and fit-for-purpose space for the community, with an expanded children's area, additional public computers and study spaces, a community meeting room, and a rooftop reading garden.
The first floor of the library is open to the community for the first time, extending the footprint of the library to almost 600 square metres, almost three times larger than the previous floor plan.
The upgrade also includes a new accessible lift to ensure all members of the community can enjoy the library space, and has reopened to the public just as the 80th Children's Book Week celebrations are underway.
The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program has provided $1.5 million towards the development of the library, while Moonee Valley City Council provided $3.99 million.
The program provides financial support for library facilities across Victoria to improve their role in the community and provide free access to information and technology and creating spaces to engage communities.
The Labor Government has invested more than $53.3 million over the past 10 years into 158 library infrastructure projects, supporting libraries in metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria, and enriching their communities.
Applications are now open for the latest funding round of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
For more information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and application process, visit https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants/living-libraries-infrastructure-program
As stated by Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos
"The Living Libraries Infrastructure program ensures that libraries will continue to play an important role in fostering lifelong learning, providing access to information and a safe and supportive community space for local people."
As stated by Local Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
"I'm absolutely over the moon with how this has turned out and how great this will be for Moonee Valley residents - the rooftop reading garden will be a favorite spot for locals, I'm sure."
