About

The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program (LLIP) enables Victorian councils and regional library corporations to deliver new or renewed library infrastructure for their communities.

The program aims to enable councils to continue to provide library facilities that meet the needs of communities and, in doing so, support the role of libraries in strengthening communities and encouraging opportunities for community participation. Funding is provided to support projects that deliver and demonstrate benefits for the community and/or aim to improve engagement and access to learning opportunities.

The 2024-25 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program will open to applications on 3 February 2025 and will close at 2:00 pm on 14 March 2025.

Funding is available through the following categories:

  • Minor Works - $10,000 - $200,000
  • Major Works - $200,001 - $1,000,000

Links for both application forms will be available on 3 February 2025 from 8:30 am and will be accessible via this website.

Program Guidelines

Read the 2024-25 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program Guidelines in:

Collage of two pictures, left is the front of a library and right is the inside of a library

Successful Projects

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.

BAW BAW SHIRE COUNCIL – BAW BAW CIVIC PRECINCT STAGE 1 - $1,000,000

The Baw Baw Civic Precinct Stage 1 will deliver a new inspiring community building at the edge of Civic Park in Warragul - the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct. A feature of the precinct is a multi-faceted library that will offer a much-needed upgrade to the outdated library facility currently on offer in Warragul.

CITY OF MELBOURNE – MUNRO LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY HUB - $1,000,000

Munro Library and Community Hub at Queen Victoria Market will house a new state of the art library operating over three levels totalling 3,000m2 and including a large 960m2 outdoor terrace, children's library and makerspace. The project will accommodate a Family Services office and counselling suites. Bookable community meeting rooms will also be among the services that are offered. Funds will be used to support the fit-out of the 'cold shell' building.

EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL – MOBILE LIBRARY REPLACEMENT - $53,921

This project will see the purchase and fit out of a new transit van to deliver mobile services to the communities of rural and remote areas of East Gippsland.

GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE COUNCIL – MOBILE LIBRARY REPLACEMENT - $111,559

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

GREATER BENDIGO CITY COUNCIL – HEATHCOTE LIBRARY, AS PART OF THE HEATHCOTE COMMUNITY HUB - $1,000,000

This project will deliver an expanded and more welcoming, inclusive and flexible Heathcote Library co-located within a community hub. Available space for library services will be approximately doubled and library opening hours will be extended.

HINDMARSH SHIRE COUNCIL – HINDMARSH SHIRE LIBRARIES TO YOU - $76,000

Hindmarsh Shire Libraries to You will see the purchase of an appropriately equipped transit van to establish library services connecting Hindmarsh residents from kinders, daycare, and schools to aged care facilities and home care clients.

SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE COUNCIL – RFID SECURITY AND SELF-CHECKOUT UPGRADE - $26,645

Replacement of RFID Self-Checkout infrastructure will improve OH&S for patrons and see an upgrade of equipment reaching its end-of-life.  This will enable library patrons to efficiently and easily use the self-access to their library accounts and to self-borrowing. The installation of an RFID enabled security gate will facilitate the borrowable collection security and collection of customer traffic statistics.

WHITEHORSE MANNINGHAM REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATION – WARRANDYTE LIBRARY “OPEN LIBRARY” - $40,000

This project will see the implementation of the "open library" model at Warrandyte Library, increasing community access to the library space, collections, internet and other services by 244%. The "open library' un-serviced hours will complement the hours the library operates with service by staff available.

WYNDHAM CITY COUNCIL – HOPPERS CROSSING LIBRARY – TWO NEW ROOMS FOR THE COMMUNITY - $117,445

The objective of this project is to offer increased public access space at the Hoppers Crossing Library by providing two small rooms that community members can book for study, meetings, work, etc. Existing library office space, including one meeting room, will be repurposed to provide this extra space to the community.

YARRA PLENTY REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATION – YPRL OUTREACH VEHICLE - $150,000

YPRL will replace its 16-year-old Outreach Vehicle. The OV services retirement villages and nursing home across the 3 YPRL funding councils (Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea). The new vehicle is a hybrid vehicle which any YPRL staff member can drive. The current vehicle requires a medium-rigid licence. The new vehicle size will be more flexible which means the OV is more agile and can increase its service reach across a larger number of facilities with multiple drivers.

YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE COUNCIL – DUNMUNKLE COMMUNITY LIBRARY PRECINCT - $578,163

This project will reactivate and redevelop the old Shire Office in Rupanyup, creating an interactive, community library precinct for the southern end of the Shire. Utilising indoor and outdoor space and zones, enticing people from diverse backgrounds (age, gender, race, socio-economic background) to utilise the facilities.

Contact us

For further information on the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, please contact:

lgv.living.libraries@ecodev.vic.gov.au

+61 418 780 150