The City of Ballarat is inviting residents to help shape the future of library services as it develops a new Library Strategy to guide service delivery over the next four years.
Ballarat is one of Victoria’s fastest growing regional cities, and the new strategy will help ensure the city’s library services continue to meet the needs of a growing and changing community.
The strategy will review current library services, identify emerging community needs and establish a vision to ensure libraries remain relevant, accessible and sustainable for the Ballarat community.
Community members are encouraged to share their views, whether they are regular library users, occasional visitors or have not previously engaged with library services before.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said libraries continue to play a vital role in the community.
“Our Ballarat Libraries are much more than places to borrow books,” she said.
“They are welcoming spaces where people of all ages can connect with others, discover new ideas, learn new skills and access technology and information.
“As our community grows and changes, our libraries must continue to evolve to meet community needs. We want to hear from people across Ballarat about what they value most about our libraries and what they would like to see in the future.”
The City of Ballarat’s library services in Wendouree, Ballarat Central and Sebastopol recorded more than 250,000 visits during the 2025/26 financial year, highlighting the important role libraries play in the lives of local residents.
More than 560,000 items were borrowed during the same period, while more than 27,000 people participated in library programs and events, including storytimes, workshops, author talks and other lifelong learning opportunities.
Community feedback is open now and will close on 15 December.
Individuals can have their say by visiting the City of Ballarat’s MySay page or completing feedback activities at any Ballarat Libraries branch. Library staff will also host pop-up engagement opportunities across the municipality to hear from a broad range of community members.
Feedback received through the engagement process will help inform future priorities for library programs, collections, digital services, partnerships, accessibility initiatives and library spaces.
Library Strategy pop-up engagement dates
- Ballarat Library, Saturday 10 October, 1-3pm
- Sebastopol Library, Monday 12 October, 10am-12.30pm
- Ballarat Library, Tuesday 20 October, 2-4pm
- The Bridge Market, Bridge Mall, Saturday 7 November, 9am-1pm
- Wendouree Library, Monday 16 November, 2-4pm
- Sebastopol Library, Thursday 26 November, 3.30-6.30pm
- SpringFest Market, Sunday 29 November, 10am-4pm
