The sterling work of public libraries in Corangamite in 2020 has been recognised with a record level of funding from the Victorian Government.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane and Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney today announced Corangamite Regional Library Corporation (CRLC) will receive $812,345 in funding to buy new books and collection items, run online services and deliver outreach programs.
The funding for CRLC comes as part of a record $56.9 million for Victorian libraries through the 2020 State Budget.
Libraries in Colac Otway, Corangamite, Moyne and Warrnambool Shires and across Victoria have provided tremendous support to their communities throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
From virtual storytimes for kids and check-in phone calls for all members, to book delivery and partnerships with Meals on Wheels, Victorian libraries have made a real impact in peoples’ lives at a challenging time and CRLC libraries are no exception.
The Victorian Government also funds the expansion, redevelopment and modernisation of libraries through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, which received an additional $11.1 million over two years in the 2020 Budget.
Victoria is home to 276 permanent library branches, 31 mobile library services and 71 other library outlets, with more than 2.1 million library members registered in the state.
Quotes attributable to Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria
“The pandemic really brought home the value Corangamite Regional Library Corporation libraries bring to our community. It’s great to see the State Government give them the support they deserve.”
“Libraries strengthen and enrich our local community. They’re places all of us can benefit from and they have a life-long impact.”
“This funding ensures libraries have the resources they need to keep up the amazing work they’ve been doing. Libraries really do change lives and they are about so much more than books.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane
“It’s been fantastic to see so many Victorians, particularly children and older people, connected through virtual library services during the pandemic, whether that’s a virtual story time, a check-in phone call or books delivered with Meals on Wheels.”