Living Libraries Infrastructure Program

BANYULE CITY COUNCIL - OLYMPIC VILLAGE LIBRARY - $200,000

The existing gym at Olympic Leisure Centre will be converted into a permanent library space, featuring collections, a children’s area, public computers, reading nooks, and informal gathering spaces. This warm, welcoming environment will support literacy, learning, and social connection in West Heidelberg—an area experiencing high disadvantage and low literacy levels.

BOROONDARA CITY COUNCIL - KEW LIBRARY REDEVELOPMENT - $550,000

The redevelopment of the Kew Library will include improvements to amenity and functionality to support diverse programming, informal learning and community engagement and provide a contemporary, welcoming space that supports intergenerational learning, social connection and cultural participation.

CITY OF MELBOURNE - SOUTHBANK LIBRARY - $550,000

Boyd Community Hub in Southbank currently accommodates Southbank Library, Family and Children Services, Creative Spaces and a café tenancy. This project will relocate the Southbank Library into an adjacent 900sqm (approx.) space (cold shell) at the base (ground and first floor) of a 44-storey residential build to rent tower, increasing the library floorspace by approx. 500sqm.

EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL - OPEN SKIES PROJECT - $79,104

Opening louvred shelter roofing will be installed over two outdoor areas to activate and extend their year-round usability. The adjustable roofing will provide flexible protection from sun and rain, creating more suitable, weather-resilient spaces for the delivery of library programs and community activities.

GEELONG REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATION - DEANS MARSH LIBRARY LOCKER PROJECT - $24,591

Establish a self-service library locker in Deans Marsh, Surf Coast Shire, to enhance community access to library services by providing a convenient, technology-enabled borrowing and returning solution.

GLEN EIRA CITY COUNCIL - OPEN LIBRARIES @ GLEN EIRA - $55,605

Open Libraries @ Glen Eira will be implemented at the Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub and the Elsternwick Library to extend the number of hours that the public can access the branches.

GLENELG SHIRE COUNCIL - PORTLAND LIBRARY MEETING PODS - $41,659

The installation of two meeting pods in the Portland Library will assist in accommodating the increased demand for private spaces, particularly for remote workers, students and those with telehealth and online appointments where privacy and confidentiality is a necessity.

GOLDFIELDS REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATION - MEETING AND STUDY PODS FOR KANGAROO FLAT LIBRARY - $44,145

This project proposes the installation of prefabricated, soundproof meeting pods at Kangaroo Flat Library. The pods will address growing demand for quiet, connected environments by providing wi-fi enabled, fit-for-purpose infrastructure. They will support remote work, study, and online engagement, ensuring equitable, contemporary, and future ready community library spaces.

GOLDFIELDS REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATION - MEETING PODS FOR MACEDON RANGES LIBRARIES - $62,865

This project proposes the installation of prefabricated soundproof meeting pods in each of the 4 Macedon Ranges libraries. The pods will address growing demand for quiet, connected environments by providing wi-fi enabled, fit for purpose infrastructure. They will support remote work, study, and online engagement, ensuring equitable, contemporary, and future ready community library spaces.

HINDMARSH SHIRE COUNCIL - COVER TO COVER FOR DIMBOOLA LIBRARY - $47,301

This project will see the installation of two sunshade self-standing structures in the open courtyard space between the Old Shire Hall and new Library and Customer Service Centre in Dimboola, to create a sun-safe, outdoor space for public and community use as well as the installation of internal mesh blinds to prevent and reduce sun damage to internal assets such as books and shelving units.

MANSFIELD SHIRE COUNCIL - MANSFIELD LIBRARY’S OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR ALL SEASONS (OPAS) - $242,750

The Mansfield Library’s OPAS project will fund a fit-for-purpose AWD library van, enabling year-round library services to remote communities. Overcoming weather and road challenges, the van ensures vital library services reach all areas, enhancing access, inclusion, and participation. It strengthens community connection and supports equitable service delivery across the Shire.

MARIBYRNONG CITY COUNCIL - BRAYBROOK LIBRARY MAKER SPACE AND DESK RECONFIGURATION - $143,000

The Braybrook library maker space will involve a reconfiguration of Maribyrnong City Council’s fastest growing branch. It involves the construction of a maker space to support creativity and learning and a reconfiguration of the service desk to provide improved customer experience as well as operational efficiency.

MITCHELL SHIRE COUNCIL - MITCHELL SHIRE LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE - $76,682

The project will fund the upgrade of Self Loan stations, circulation assistants, and ceiling sensors.  The project will deliver faster, more reliable, and more accessible services, improve resource management, and free up staff to focus on learning programs and personal support. This will ensure that Mitchell Libraries continue to meet the needs of a growing community, both now and into the future.

MONASH CITY COUNCIL - GLEN WAVERLEY CIVIC PRECINCT – GLEN WAVERLEY LIBRARY - $1,000,000

The Glen Waverley Civic Precinct is a bold reimagining of community infrastructure, designed to meet the demands of a rapidly growing and diversifying population. Anchored by a new, purpose-built library, the precinct will offer dynamic spaces for learning, creativity, and connection.

MOONEE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - OPEN ACCESS AT AVONDALE HEIGHTS LIBRARY COMMUNITY PRECINCT - $87,225

The project will allow the introduction of ‘Open Access’ hours at Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, providing the community with increased access to the library collection, space, public computers, wi-fi and printing by increasing hours by 40%. The extended hours will be in addition to the 53.5 hrs the library will operate with professional library staff.

MURRINDINDI SHIRE COUNCIL - REACHING MORE OF MURRINDINDI: AN AGILE MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE - $767,592

The project will replace Murrindindi's current mobile library truck with a new, more agile vehicle, expanding access to library services from eight to ten locations. This upgrade will improve service reliability, reach more remote communities, and deliver more programs—supporting education, social connection, and wellbeing for all ages across Murrindindi Shire.

MYLI (MY COMMUNITY LIBRARY LTD) - CCTV INSTALLATION – EMERALD AND PAKENHAM LIBRARIES, CARDINIA SHIRE - $10,223

Upgrade the CCTV coverage in both Pakenham and Emerald libraries within the Cardinia Shire. Enhancing the CCTV coverage will strengthen safety and security for all visitors and staff.

WHITEHORSE MANNINGHAM REGIONAL LIBRARY CORPORATION - NUNAWADING LIBRARY RETURNS PROJECT - $16,535

The installation of external book return chutes at DDA compliant height and installation of an internal automated RFID Check-In Bin at Nunawading Library will enhance service accessibility and customer service benefits.

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.