Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Visit Your Local Library And Be SurprisedVictorians Love Libraries – nearly half are library members, and many more are library users. By Latrobe City - 30th March 2012 - Back to News However, there is still a significant proportion of the population that could benefit from the services offered by libraries but, for whatever reason, just haven’t made it through the doors yet.
As part of the National Year of Reading 2012, Latrobe City Council is partnering other councils across the state to encourage more people to visit their local library and be surprised and delighted by all the opportunities on offer.
Latrobe City mayor, Councillor Ed Vermeulen, said that a visit to the local library would be a pleasant surprise.
"If the last time you visited a library was 20 years ago, or if you’ve never been inside one, I’d urge you to go and take a look. You’ll find a warm welcome with plenty to see and do; knowledge, information, and entertainment is all around and it’s almost all free of charge.
"There is no better time to visit your library. Costs are rising for many households, but your libraries are offering more resources, programs, events and social activities than ever before," Cr Vermeulen said.
"Whilst many people think they know about libraries, even regular Latrobe City library users may not see the whole picture. They may use them for borrowing books or accessing the Internet and WiFi, but what about the DVDs and talking books, access to databases to research family history, school holiday programs and storytime sessions for preschoolers? There is even free online tutoring for students from year three to the early university years.
"As a member of the SWIFT consortium, Latrobe City Libraries provides patrons access to over 800,000 items; patrons can search the library catalogue, place holds, check their library account and find out what the latest ‘best reads’ are, all online," Cr Vermeulen said.
"It’s definitely time to visit your local library again and really open your eyes to all the wonderful things that are happening there," Cr Vermeulen concluded.
Become part of the Victorians Love Libraries campaign by visiting your local library today. Remember 2012 is the National Year of Reading www.love2read.org.au and the perfect opportunity to discover something new at your local library.
Media Enquiries:
Media Relations Team
Telephone: 5128 5458 or 0409 797 498
Jacinta Kennedy, Manager Community Relations
Telephone: 5128 5421 or 0401 824 195
For general enquiries, contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines. - East Gippsland libraries launch CloudLibrary, offering free eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere
East Gippsland Libraries have launched CloudLibrary, giving members free access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere, supporting learning, leisure, and digital inclusion across the region. - Free visitor information materials help East Gippsland businesses guide visitors quickly and easily summer
East Gippsland Shire Council is providing free QR-code posters, stickers and magnets to help businesses quickly connect visitors with maps, attractions, events and essential information via the Visit East Gippsland website. - Parliamentary Inquiry visits South Gippsland to examine oil, gas decommissioning and regional transition opportunities
State Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee visited South Gippsland to examine oil and gas decommissioning, and local government perspectives, highlighting infrastructure needs and renewable transition opportunities. - Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit. - Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026. - Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October. - Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs. - Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - Tim Bull encourages local groups to apply for grants supporting veterans, preserving war memorials and heritage by 3 February 2026
Tim Bull urges local organisations to apply by 3 February 2026 for grants supporting veterans and conserving war memorials and community heritage. - Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - Tim Bull urges local clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program supporting volunteers, equipment, and program delivery by 26 November 2025
Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East sporting clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program by 26 November 2025, supporting uniforms, equipment, volunteers, events, travel, and governance development. - Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses. - Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer. - Gippsland Water launches annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign encouraging mindful water usage during hot weather
Gippsland Water has launched its annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign, encouraging customers to follow permanent water-saving rules and tips, conserve water during heat waves, and attend community education events. - East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond. - Danny O’Brien congratulates local football and netball clubs recognised through this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program
Gippsland South football and netball clubs have secured TAC Club Rewards funding, promoting safe driving and road safety awareness through community-led initiatives supported by AFL Victoria. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - Bass Coast Shire Council celebrates local community groups’ achievements and grants at inspiring event
Bass Coast Council celebrated 92 local community groups, awarding $294,000 in grants, including $40,000 for climate projects, supporting creativity, connection, and resilience across the region at a vibrant celebration. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
- Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture. - Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops
Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal. - Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026. - Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions. - Sardine dining in Bairnsdale showcases fresh local seafood with chef Mark Briggs’ expert touch
SARDINE Dining in Bairnsdale, led by chef Mark Briggs, serves expertly sourced Lakes Entrance seafood, refined dishes, and a stylish wine bar, earning six chef’s hats and drawing diners region-wide. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers. - Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season. - Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities. - Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13. - Baw Baw Shire residents invited to safely dispose household chemicals at free Detox Your Home event on 14 March 2026
Baw Baw Shire residents can register for a free Detox Your Home event on 14 March 2026 to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals, helping protect waterways and the environment. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025. - Meet with South Gippsland Mayor Hersey to discuss ideas or issues that matter to you and your community and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council is offering multiple opportunities for community engagement, upcoming events, free workshops, grants, vaccination sessions, and council services throughout Summer 2026 for residents and local businesses. - Thurra river bridge finally reopens after five-year delay, fueling local frustration and renewed criticism
The Thurra River Bridge has reopened after five and a half years, prompting relief and anger, with MP Tim Bull criticising prolonged delays, economic impacts, and unfinished fire recovery projects across East Gippsland. - Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park wins 2025 Geographic Naming Award, celebrating local heritage and community contributions
Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park, still under construction, has won the 2025 Geographic Naming Award, recognising Mrs Malacarne lifelong contributions and the community-led naming process. - East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, offering 114km trails, boosting local tourism, recreation, and economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens Friday, featuring 114 km trails, community events, amenities, and safety measures, transforming the town into a year-round alpine adventure and tourism destination. - Yarram - Explore Heesco Town murals, vibrant street art, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local cuisine, and Gippsland heritage
Yarram, a charming Gippsland town, features over 25 Heesco murals, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local seafood, wineries, heritage sites, and the Great Southern Rail Trail. - East Gippsland Council launches VendorPanel for streamlined, transparent procurement and supports local businesses with information sessions
From December 2025, East Gippsland Council will use VendorPanel for streamlined procurement, offering online registration, fair opportunities, and information sessions to help local businesses navigate the platform effectively. - East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns. - Darren Chester congratulates Infusa Distillery founders for showcasing Gippsland's produce, driving growth in local food and beverage industry
Darren Chester congratulated Infusa Distillery founders Stu and Jo Taylor for their award-winning spirits, local partnerships, and contribution to Gippsland's food and beverage industry, praising their innovation, growth, and regional pride. - Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650M Delburn wind farm investment ignoring local community concerns
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650 million Delburn wind farm investment, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money that ignores local community concerns about fire, noise, and visual impact. - East Gippsland expands Whelans Group road maintenance contract, ensuring service continuity and local job retention across shire
East Gippsland Council has expanded Whelans Group’s road maintenance role, taking over areas previously managed by Cranes Asphalting, ensuring service continuity, high standards, and retention of local jobs across the shire. - SEC acquires Delburn Wind Farm, Gippsland’s first public wind project, creating jobs and boosting local energy and economy by 2028
The SEC’s acquisition of Delburn Wind Farm will deliver Gippsland’s first public wind project by 2028, creating 300 construction jobs, long-term careers, and $22 million in community benefits. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - Darren Chester commends Metung Holiday Villas owners for strengthening Gippsland's tourism and visitor economy
Darren Chester has commended Metung Holiday Villas owners Darren and Kristy Penington for their dedication to Gippsland's tourism industry, highlighting their role in supporting local jobs and promoting the region's attractions. - East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year. - East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays. - East Gippsland invites community input to shape Omeo district place plan and future local priorities
East Gippsland Council invites Omeo district residents to provide feedback via workshops and surveys, shaping the new Place Plan to reflect local priorities, guide council actions, and strengthen community engagement. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to send EOIs and apply for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants supporting local community volunteers
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to submit EOIs for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants, offering $1,000-$5,000 to support volunteers, strengthen community connections, and remove barriers to participation. - Wellington libraries upgrade with RFID technology, enabling faster borrowing and improved user experiences across all branches over six months
Wellington libraries are upgrading with RFID technology, introducing self-loan stations, automated return chutes, and smart bins, improving borrowing efficiency, reducing manual handling, and allowing staff to focus on programs and services. - East Gippsland Libraries join Big Summer Read, inspiring children to read, build literacy, and combat the ‘summer slide’
This summer, East Gippsland Libraries join the Big Summer Read, encouraging children aged 0-18 to read, build literacy skills, earn badges, and stay engaged while combating the "summer slide." - Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community. - Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
|
|
