People across the Wimmera will soon have more opportunities to learn, connect and access library services, with Wimmera Libraries officially launching Extra Access at branches across the region. The service was officially opened by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora MP at Horsham Library on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
The initiative will allow eligible library members to access participating libraries outside staffed opening hours, providing greater flexibility for people whose work, study, family or other commitments make it difficult to visit during the day.
Delivered through a partnership between Horsham Rural City Council and West Wimmera Shire Council, Extra Access will be available at libraries in Horsham, Edenhope, Kaniva, Harrow and Goroke.
Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said the initiative was a direct response to community feedback.
“One of the strongest messages we’ve heard in recent years is that people want more opportunities to access their library,” Cr Klowss said.
“For many residents, particularly shift workers, students, farmers and families, traditional opening hours don’t always fit with daily life. Extra Access helps remove that barrier and gives people more flexibility to use the library when it suits them.”
Community consultation undertaken in 2025 showed strong support for the initiative, with more than 90 per cent of respondents indicating they would use or consider using extra access.
Cr Klowss said libraries had evolved into important community spaces offering far more than books.
“Our libraries are places where people can study, work, access technology, learn new skills, connect with others or simply enjoy a quiet and welcoming environment.
“This initiative is about ensuring those opportunities are available to more people, more often.”
West Wimmera Shire Council Mayor Helen Hobbs said access to library services shouldn’t be determined by which town you live in or how many hours a week your local library happens to be open.
“For smaller communities like Goroke and Harrow, where staffed library hours are currently limited to just three hours a week, Open Access represents a significant improvement in the opportunities available to residents along with Kaniva and Edenhope branches,” Cr Hobbs said.
“It gives people greater flexibility to borrow books, access technology, study, read or simply enjoy a welcoming community space at a time that suits them.
“Importantly, this is about providing more equitable access across our shire, particularly for people who work during traditional business hours, families, students and those who may not be able to travel to another town.
“Our libraries are valuable community assets, and making better use of these existing facilities means we can provide more opportunities for people to connect, learn and access resources, regardless of where they live,” Cr Hobbs said.
Community members highlighted a wide range of benefits, including access to computers and Wi-Fi, quiet study spaces, meeting areas for community groups, support for distance education and greater opportunities for social connection.
Cr Klowss said the initiative would be particularly valuable in regional communities where access to public spaces outside business hours can be limited.
“We know there are students looking for somewhere quiet to study, people working towards new qualifications, job seekers needing internet access and community groups searching for meeting spaces,” he said.
“Extra Access will help our libraries better support those people while making greater use of the facilities we already have.”
The initiative has been designed with safety and security at its core. Eligible members will complete an induction before access is activated, with secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, alarms, emergency support arrangements and restricted staff-only areas in place.
Cr Klowss said the project represented a smart investment in community infrastructure.
“Rather than building something new, we’re making it easier for people to access a service they already know, trust and value,” he said.
The project is supported through the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and reflects a shared commitment by Horsham Rural City Council and West Wimmera Shire Council to improving access to library services across the region.
Extra Access will be introduced progressively across participating Wimmera Libraries branches. Information about eligibility, induction requirements and registration will be available through Wimmera Libraries.
“Whether it’s someone borrowing a book after work, a student preparing for exams, a community group meeting on the weekend or a resident looking for a safe and welcoming space, Extra Access will help ensure our libraries are there when people need them most,” Cr Klowss said.
