Murrindindi Shire Council adopted its new Library Strategy and Action Plan 2022 – 2026 at the Scheduled Meeting of Council on 24 August 2022.
The Strategy and Action Plan sets a bold vision for the future and aims to deliver a modern and robust library service for everyone in our Shire. It reflects the goals and community vision outlined in our Council Plan 2021-2025, responds to the emerging and evolving needs of residents in a post-COVID world, and builds on what our libraries are known for – as welcoming, safe, trusted and local places at the heart of our community.
Council’s Community Engagement and Wellbeing Portfolio Councillor Damien Gallagher said Council’s Murrindindi Library Service is thrilled to be starting a new chapter, with a brand-new Strategy and Action Plan for the next four years.
‘Earlier in the year, we asked you what the next page for your local library looks like – excuse the pun – and we were provided with incredible insight into the community’s needs and expectations of our library service.
‘We then used your feedback, along with current research, information on best practice for public library services, interviews with library partners and discussions with library managers and staff, to prepare our Library Strategy and Action Plan.
‘Based on what you told us, our libraries, including the Mobile service, play an important role in people’s everyday lives and provide a strong sense of place for many residents – they are one of the most well-used services we provide’, Cr Gallagher added.
‘The Strategy and Action Plan will help us plan for the coming years and deliver actions under five key areas. These areas include increasing access to and use of library services, collections and programs, delivering high quality services that are highly valued by the community, and improving the way we operate and the way we work with the community, library partners and the library sector.
‘The Action Plan includes a range of initiatives to enhance the library experience. Council has before us many candidate actions to consider.
‘The survey results told us very clearly that our community does not like the lunchtime closure of libraries, and so we will be revising opening hours to remove lunchtime closures at all branches.
‘We will be working to increase the use of libraries and engage new library users of all ages and interests, by expanding the range, location and timing of library programs to better engage a wider cross-section of the Murrindindi Shire population.
‘In planning for the future of our libraries, our service must continue to cater to the needs of all members of our community and adapt to population growth, changes in society, and shifts in technology and the economy’, Cr Gallagher said.
To read Council’s Library Strategy and Action Plan 2022 – 2026, click here.
