Wonthaggi library receives $300,000

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Wonthaggi library receives $300,000

Checking out the library: Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell and Member for Bass Ken Smith had a wonderful time learning how the library system worked, briefly jumping behind the counter to return books at the Wonthaggi Library last week.

THE WONTHAGGI Library is set to become an information haven with a $300,000 contribution from the State Government.

The funding is a huge boost towards the $461,000 relocation project of the library, with the Bass Coast Shire Council contributing the remaining $161,000.

The library will move to the current Target building, a site which is five times bigger than its current location in McBride Avenue.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell visited the library last Wednesday to make the announcement.

“The Coalition Government is committed to the ongoing upgrade of Victoria’s highly regarded, much loved and well used public library network through the $17.2 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program,” she said.

“The current Wonthaggi Library is cramped for space and unable to provide the community with the range of programs, resources and services available at many other public libraries across the state.”

Ms Powell also revealed the library’s collection will almost quadruple from 12,500 items to 40,000, receiving an enthusiastic applause from the audience.

“The move to a new premise will allow the Bass Coast Shire Council to develop a modern 21st century library that will enjoy radio-frequency identification, digital access points, wi-fi access and increased study spaces,” she said, adding the library would become a community hub in Wonthaggi.

Chair of the West Gippsland Library Corporation and Bass Coast Councillor  Gareth Barlow, said the funding was “very generous, very welcome” and the new library would be a great asset to the community.

“I think there’s an exciting journey ahead for the people of Wonthaggi and surrounding areas of Bass Coast Shire having a principal library we can be proud of,” he said.

Cr Barlow also paid credit to the Official Wonthaggi Library Supporters (OWLS) for campaigning for the cause.

“They plagued me for the entire time I’ve been on council and the entire time I’ve been the board chair and I commend them for plaguing me,” he said.

“They have not let an opportunity go to raise the importance of libraries to them and their community and to actively promote libraries within the community.”

Bass MLA Ken Smith also welcomed the Coalition Government’s commitment and congratulated the local community on successfully securing state government assistance.

“The Wonthaggi Library has passed its used by date and this investment will deliver the community a greater range of library services, increased study spaces and a cafe,” he said.

“The new Wonthaggi Library will become an important community hub that will cater to a wide cross section of the local community.”

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Posted by on Jul 11 2012. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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