Irymple community urged to have their say on library services
Published on 19 September 2016
Mildura Rural City Council will host a community consultation to investigate future options for the Irymple Library Service after a recent report showed a decline in patronage at the branch.
As part of an overall review of library services across the municipality, Councillors were presented with a report earlier this year outlining the increasing costs associated with some of the smaller libraries.
Acting General Manager Community Donna Gardner said both the Mobile Library service and the Irymple Library were highlighted as services that could potentially benefit from a change in the way the service is delivered to better suit library members.
“We know our library services are highly valued and that they provide more than just books to the community. They provide important access to technology, internet, magazines and movies, as well as being a place for social interaction,” Ms Gardner said. “But the way people are using their libraries is changing significantly and we need to adapt our services in response to this.
“While Irymple itself is a growing community, patronage at the library is decreasing. In fact, more than 56% of loans from library members who have an Irymple postcode use the Mildura Library branch, rather than their local library.
“We really want the local community to work with us to find a model that suits them. In this instance, there are options to utilise services at nearby branches and expand services such as the Home Library service. However there are those in the Irymple community who visit the library for a range of reasons, including social interaction and we want to find a way to make sure that important connection isn’t lost.”
The Community Consultation session will be held on Tuesday 27 September at 6pm at the Irymple Community Leisure Centre.
People who cannot attend the sessions but who wish to have input into the process are encouraged to contact Sue Kelly on (03) 5018 8350 for further information.
Media enquiries
Rebecca Wells
p) (03) 5018 8195
e) rebecca.wells@mildura.vic.gov.au