Living Libraries Infrastructure Program

Ararat Rural City Council - Ararat Library Lighting & Exterior Upgrade - $51,026

The project will involve the installation of new interior and exterior lighting throughout the Ararat Library building, as well as an upgrade to the exterior signage. The aim is to promote a modern and welcoming space for patrons, while attracting new members and demographics of visitors. The project will also focus on the safety of our building, upgrading security systems including outdoor lighting and cameras, to ensure the safety of both staff and patrons.

Ballarat City Council - Ballarat Libraries Outreach Library Lockers - $95,261

This project will place library outreach lockers in the regional/rural areas of Miners Rest, Cardigan, Learmonth and Buninyong within the Ballarat Local Government Area.  These library resource collection lockers are designed to extend the coverage and accessibility of the library.  They offer convenient self-service holds pick-up and returns using a library membership card.

City of Greater Bendigo - Improving Safety and Inclusion at Bendigo Library - $412,586

Funding will be used to reconfigure the ground floor public toilets and parenting facilities at Bendigo Library. This will result in increased passive surveillance of the area, additional toilets that are all-gender and improved accessible bathroom and parenting facilities. These works will also involve relocating the existing office spaces in the foyer, to improve visibility and provide for multi-functional usage.

City of Greater Dandenong - Dandenong Library Parents, Multi Faith and Quiet Study Spaces Project - $318,550

This project aims to enhance the library spaces to be more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible for all through improved family facilities, multi faith space and quiet study room to enable the delivery of the unique community needs and expectations.

Geelong Regional Library Corporation - Birregurra Library Kiosk: Read. Connect. Grow - $25,332

This project will see the installation of a library kiosk in Birregurra, providing greater access to library collections and services. This will replace the limited fortnightly mobile library stop, increasing accessibility, supporting lifelong learning, and enabling tailored outreach programs. The project ensures a sustainable, flexible, and community-focused library service for the region.

Horsham Rural City Council - Horsham Library Open Access Fit Out - $39,333

The project will fit out the Horsham Library building with security and automation technology, so that the community can access the branch after hours for borrowing, computers and printing, work, study, meetings and gatherings.  Works include CCTV, motion detection, keypad entry, automated lighting, public announcement system and auto-door retrofit.

Knox City Council - Bayswater Library Relocation & Open Access Project - $57,244

This grant application is a part of a larger project o relocate the existing Bayswater Library to its new location within the Mountain High Shopping Centre. Council are working in partnership with Your Library and the landlord to deliver this project at a total cost of $1.3million.  This will enable the library to increase its accessibility and availability to the community but extending the hours in line with that of the shopping centre.

Latrobe City Council - Morwell Library New Community Kitchenette - $30,474

This project will see the Installation of a purpose built kitchenette in the Morwell Library to enhance the library facilities to continue better meet the needs of the community and encourage opportunities for community participation.  Three public PC's will be relocated during this process which will open up floor space for the communal use of the kitchenette, including seating in the area.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council - Gisborne Library Meeting Space Renewal - $457,500

The Gisborne Library Meeting Space Renewal will create a modern, accessible, multi-functional space. Key upgrades include improved accessibility, upgraded technology, sustainable infrastructure, and extended hours for the Gisborne Genealogical Group (GGG). The project will expand programming, promote inclusivity, and strengthen the library as an educational and social hub.

Manningham City Council - Bulleen Library Refurbishment - $211,500

Funding will be used to refurbish and upgrade the Bulleen Library to improve customer experience and accessibility, increase program, study and work spaces and bring the library up to contemporary standards.

Maroondah City Council - Croydon Community Wellbeing Cultural Hub incorporating the new Croydon Library - $1,000,000

Located within the Croydon Community Wellbeing Precinct, the new state-of-the-art Croydon Library will form the heart of a Cultural Hub that fosters community wellbeing, connection and learning. This landmark facility will also include a black box theatre, multipurpose rooms, Council Customer Service, and a proposed community services co-working space.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council - External Library Lockers & Return Chute - $61,036

This project will provide remote customers access to library resources via Library lockers at two locations (Red Hill and Sorrento) across the region. It will also refurbish the after-hours chute at the Somerville Library, enhancing accessibility and service offering.

Strathbogie Shire Council - Refurbish the Nagambie Library - $74,060

Revitalise and upgrade the Nagambie Library to create a modern, accessible community space. Enhancements will include making the toilets fully accessible, improving soundproofing for a better library experience, and developing an inviting outdoor area. Additionally, we will introduce the Open Library model, allowing community access seven days a week.

Towong Shire Council - Corryong Elyne Mitchell Library Internal Renovation Project - $320,000

Internally renovate Corryong Elyne Mitchell Library including improved interior surfaces, finishes, acoustic treatment, introducing technology, and improving access. Spaces will be redefined, converting currently deteriorating and inflexible internal fit-out into a purpose-built flexible library space. Proposal allows for quiet learning spaces while also providing flexible community space for collaborative connection.

Wellington Shire Council - Library RFID Implementation Project - $200,000

Implement a service wide Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system for Wellington Shire Libraries to facilitate improvements to productivity, efficiency, safety and customer service.

West Wimmera Shire Council - West Wimmera Open Access Fit Out - $198,709

The project will fit out the Edenhope, Goroke, Harrow and Kaniva Libraries with security and automation technology, so that the community can access the branch after hours for borrowing, computers and printing, work, study, meetings and gatherings. Works include CCTV, motion detection, keypad entry, automated lighting, public announcement system and auto-door retrofit.

Whittlesea City Council - Thomastown Library Community Amenities and Lighting Upgrade – $297,000

Construction of new DDA compliant amenities and lighting upgrade throughout the library to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, children, families and people of all genders. This project will improve user experience, support program growth and prevent people with a disability from leaving the facility to use toilets.

Wodonga City Council - Replacement of Self Serve Kiosks - $20,551

This project will replace Wodonga Library’s two RFID self service kiosks and replace the print release station to improve the user experience and accessibility for the Wodonga community.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library - Watsonia Library Community Room & Study Room Upgrade - $132,500

The project will repurpose an existing large general purpose room to be a community meeting room with after hours access and repurposing an existing very small external community meeting room with limited capacity to be a purpose built quiet study/work area with powered desks.

ALPINE SHIRE COUNCIL – ALPINE LIBRARIES TECHNOLOGY ACCESS UPGRADE - $71,757

The Alpine Libraries Technology Access Upgrade will upgrade technology at Myrtleford, Bright and Mount Beauty Libraries.  Access to library technology and accessibility will be enhanced for community members and enable self-service and support new patrons to join the library and interact with the spaces and staff in a way that suits them.

CITY OF CASEY – BUNJIL PLACE LIBRARY STUDY ZONE - $14,645

This project will provide additional study space to meet growing demand in the Bunjil Place Library through the extension of built-in benches. This will supply an additional 24 metres of study space, catering for at least 24 additional users at any one time, and approximately 350 per week.

CITY OF PORT PHILLIP – MIDDLE PARK ACTIVATION PROJECT - $200,000

This project will see the installation of Anytime Access with RFID. The library space will be redesigned in collaboration with the community to meet the needs of the younger members during the day, such as primary school visits, after school space, toy library as well as book clubs and author talks.

GOLDFIELDS LIBRARY CORPORATION – BENDIGO LIBRARY STUDY AND MEETING PODS - $57,327

This project will see the purchase and installation of four prefabricated meeting pods to meet the current high demand in the community for quiet yet connected spaces to meet, work and study. The provision of such pods would further support local community and business with remote/hybrid work, access to Wi-Fi and technology and a place to conduct meetings. It would also open up access to existing, larger meeting rooms, supporting more efficient use.

GOLDFIELDS LIBRARY CORPORATION – CASTLEMAINE STUDY AND MEETING PODS - $34,448

This project will see the purchase and installation of two prefabricated meeting pods to meet the current high demand in the community for quiet yet connected spaces to meet, work and study. The provision of such pods would further support local community and business with remote/hybrid work, access to Wi-Fi and technology and a place to conduct meetings. It would also open up access to existing, larger meeting rooms, supporting more efficient use.

GOULBURN VALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATION – OUTREACH VAN – GV LIBRARIES - $187,184

This project will see the purchase and fit out an Outreach Van to replace the mobile truck to enhance and complement current services, upgrade the community library service offerings and pilot, monitor and enable the design of more cost-effective and tailored services reflective of the changing environment and engagement of users.

GREATER SHEPPARTON CITY COUNCIL – OPEN LIBRARIES PROJECT – SHEPPARTON LIBRARY AND MOOROOPNA LIBRARY - $42,824

The Open Library project is an initiative that will give members access to the libraries from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. Members can participate in a simple induction program to upgrade their library membership, granting them exclusive access to facilities during non-operational hours. This extended access encompasses borrowing privileges, use of Wi-Fi, public PCs, study spaces, and the availability of print, scan, and copy services.

HEPBURN SHIRE COUNCIL – HEPBURN OPEN LIBRARIES PROGRAM - $185,217

The Hepburn Open Access Library Program will provide after-hours access to the Shire's four library spaces and facilities for the community. Community members can sign up to become open-access members by completing an induction program. Open access members will be provided access to our facilities during non-operational hours encompassing borrowing items, use of Wi-Fi, public PCs, study spaces, and the availability of print, scan, and copy services.

MANNINGHAM CITY COUNCIL – DONCASTER LIBRARY LAYOUT UPGRADE - $118,500

The Doncaster Library layout upgrade project will improve and increase study, work and reading spaces, increase available seats and power points, improve acoustic control and customer service areas,

MELTON CITY COUNCIL – MOBILE LIBRARY VAN - $156,000

This project will see the purchase and custom fit out of a van to support mobile library service delivery, prioritising communities in a growing city that currently have little or no access to libraries. Regular outreach programs based on community need would be scheduled to support service delivery and increase library membership and loans.

MILDURA RURAL CITY COUNCIL – RED CLIFFS LIBRARY CUSTOMER SERVICE INTERNAL REDESIGN - $23,333

This project will see the redesign of the Customer Service area of the Red Cliffs Library to increase the space for community engagement.

MOIRA SHIRE COUNCIL – OPEN LIBRARIES PROJECT – COBRAM LIBRARY AND NATHALIA LIBRARY - $39,000

This project will transform the Cobram and Nathalia libraries into accessible community hubs beyond traditional hours through advanced technology integration, including CCTV, automated lighting, self-service kiosks, and digital resources. This enables extended access from 8am to 8pm, fostering inclusive learning and engagement opportunities for all community members.

MONASH CITY COUNCIL – MONASH LIBRARIES REVITALISATION PROJECT – MOUNT WAVERLEY LIBRARY AND WHEELERS HILL LIBRARY - $200,000

Mount Waverley and Wheelers Hill library entrances and circulation areas will be remodelled, to enhance customer experience and engagement. Library collection shelving will be upgraded delivering flexible floor plans that improve accessibility, community programming, increased participation and enhance display and marketing of library collections, resources, and information.

PYRENEES SHIRE COUNCIL – INCREASE VISIBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF OUR LIBRARIES PROJECT - $200,000

This project will improve the visibility of the Shire’s Libraries and their services with the aim of creating awareness and range of services. This project will reach those who are unable to currently access library services due to transport, mobility or schedule times.

WANGARATTA RURAL CITY COUNCIL – ENHANCING THE LIBRARY CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AT WANGARATTA LIBRARY - $26,333

This project is aimed at enhancing the library customer experience byredesigning and switching the present locations of the public internet bench and circulation desk.

STRATHBOGIE SHIRE COUNCIL – OPEN LIBRARIES PROJECT – VIOLET TOWN LIBRARY AND AVENEL LIBRARY - $48,051

The Open Library project is an initiative that will give members access to the libraries from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. Members can participate in a simple induction program to upgrade their library membership, granting them exclusive access to our facilities during non-operational hours. This extended access encompasses borrowing privileges, use of Wi-Fi, public PCs, study spaces, and the availability of print, scan, and copy services.

YARRA CITY COUNCIL – OUR NEXT CHAPTER – RICHMOND LIBRARY - $70,000

This project will activate the Richmond Library Hub spaces by replacing the carpet in the stairwell, foyer and meeting rooms to match the library-level flooring. This will provide a feeling of connection to other parts of the building. A meeting room divider will be installed to provide an extra bookable community space, portable booths that further support private meetings and quiet spaces will be installed as well as the conversion of two rooms transforming them into a wellness space (parents/prayer) and a creative studio.

CITY OF WHITTLESEA – THOMASTOWN LIBRARY REFURBISHMENT PROJECT - $178,806

This project will refurbish the Library to create a purpose-built textile maker space within the library, provide custom built workstations with attached cribs for working parents, and increase powered work spaces with appropriate furniture.

YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE COUNCIL – DUNMUNKLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY PRECINCT – STAGE 2 OUTDOOR ACTIVATION - $200,000

Stage 2 will see the activation and redevelopment of the outside area of the Rupanyup Community Library Precinct, to create interactive and engaging outside spaces and zones, enticing people from diverse backgrounds (age, gender, race and socio-economic background) to utilise the facilities.