Exciting Times for Libraries in Hindmarsh
Published on 06 June 2019
Residents of Hindmarsh Shire will see positive and exciting changes to libraries in the future with Council transitioning to an alternate shared library service model and implementing static library services in Jeparit and Rainbow from 1 July 2020.
With works to construct the new Dimboola Library to commence shortly and Council reviewing the current mobile library arrangements for Jeparit and Rainbow there are exciting developments in Libraries throughout the shire.
The new building in Dimboola will house the library and increase the overall available floor space, providing a multi-purpose facility that will provide residents with a modern and welcoming library and council customer service centre that will become a versatile community hub.
Hindmarsh Shire Council CEO, Greg Wood said “These are exciting projects, not just for Dimboola, Jeparit and Rainbow residents but for the entire shire. Modern libraries are becoming more than buildings that just have books on shelves that you can borrow, they are becoming community hubs and places where residents can go to read the newspaper, catch up with friends, use the public internet or indeed borrow a book”.
Mr Wood said “A review of current library services has enabled Council to review ways of improving library services in Jeparit and Rainbow. These towns are currently served by the mobile library with Jeparit receiving two hours per fortnight and Rainbow two and a half hours per fortnight”.
“Our review and investigations are looking at different scenarios effective from 1 July 2020, and one of the options under consideration is to establish static libraries located at Council Customer Service Centres in Jeparit and Rainbow”.
“This system has worked well in Dimboola for many years and there are other councils throughout Victoria that provide a similar service. This will provide Jeparit and Rainbow and district residents with a minimum of one and a half days of service per week which is a significant increase from the minimal hours they receive now” he said.
In addition to the possible new services in Jeparit and Rainbow, Council is also looking at the ways to share library services with other councils in the region. Council’s intention is to employ the Nhill branch library staff member from 1 July 2020 and work with neighbouring shires to consider various alternate shared service options.
Mr Wood added, “The next twelve months will be an exciting time for communities within Hindmarsh Shire as Council investigates and implements new and improved systems and operations to increase access for the broad range of services that modern libraries are now providing elsewhere”.
For more information, please contact Greg Wood, Chief Executive Officer, on 03 5391 4444, or via email gwood@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Greg Wood
Chief Executive Officer