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Funding Boost For Library RelocationThe project to relocate the Wonthaggi Library received a significant boost, securing $300,000 in funding from the State Government. By Bass Coast - 6th July 2012 - Back to News The Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell, made the announcement as part of a brief visit to Wonthaggi on Wednesday, 4 July.
Announcing the funding, Minister Powell applauded Council’s commitment to the project and said the new library would supply a range of services and become a true community hub.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Danny Luna, welcomed the funding which will ensure the library opens in the new premises in early 2013.
"The redevelopment of the Wonthaggi Library as the Bass Coast Principal Library has been a priority for Council for over a decade," said Mr Luna.
"We secured new premises in the centre of the commercial area and allocated $240,000 in the 2012/13 budget for the relocation and fit out. We applied for additional funding to help complete the fit out, and purchase new equipment and stock for the library."
As the fastest growing regional area in Victoria, the demand for library services has outstripped the capacity of the current facility.
"Our community needs a library that can meet its growing needs and that was clearly not possible in the current location," explained Mr Luna.
"The library needs more space and modern facilities that provide people with access to information in a friendly, easily accessible environment. The new location will enable library staff to deliver a full suite of programs and services, including online access, study areas, meeting spaces and early years learning programs. The new library will be able to house 40,000 items, more than three times the current collection. Being situated in the business centre means the library will be more accessible to more people as well."
If library usage grows in line with population projections, visits at a Principal Library in Wonthaggi would exceed 71,000 by 2021 and loans could exceed 102,000 per year.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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