Upgrades To Libraries In Mortlake And Hamilton

Mortlake will get a new and improved community library and Hamilton will see its library upgraded, thanks to investments by the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins today visited Hamilton and Mortlake to announce the major investments, which are a part of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

In Mortlake, the existing library building on Dunlop Street will be demolished for a new, more accessible public library and community hub. The new facility will be fitted with improved meeting spaces and community gathering areas and will also house the town’s Community Information Centre.

In Hamilton the works include replacing the customer service desk, replacing shelving and reconfiguring the floor space to support group activities. The project will also increase the space available for seating, enabling the library to better meet demand for space for study, reading, and Wi-Fi use.

These libraries were the beneficiaries of changes made to the guidelines by the Labor Government, with small rural and regional councils no longer required to make equal co-contributions to secure state funding.

The Labor Government will provide $500,000 towards the new library in Mortlake, and $120,000 to refurbish Hamilton’s library.

Victoria is home to 275 permanent library branches and 30 mobile library services, with more than 2.1 million library members registered in the state.

Victoria’s public library networks received more than 30.1 million visits in 2015-16, while more than 9 million website visits were recorded during this period.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins

“Libraries are so important to local communities, that’s why we’re investing to build and upgrade libraries across our state.”

“This is an exciting development for the Mortlake community and we are proud to be able to provide support for important learning centres in regional Victoria.”

“Hamilton is a key regional centre and I’m pleased to announce funding to ensure its library remains well equipped to service the local community.”

Quote attributable to State Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford

“Libraries are the heart of the community for so many people and we are committed to delivering top quality services to the people of Western Victoria.”