The Victorian Government has waved their magic wand and granted Bayside City Council three wishes to complete three new library upgrade projects. The Victorian Government has contributed a total of $180k, comprising a $90K Library COVID Recovery Project grant and $90K from a Living Libraries grant. Council is matching the funding dollar-for-dollar, making a total of $360k towards great new spaces and improved library experiences.
The Mayor, Cr Alex del Porto said:
“Bayside City Council is matching the funding from Victorian Government grants and delivering state-of-the art innovations to our libraries.
“Libraries are the lifeblood of our community and residents across Bayside will have access to these exciting new services by the middle of the year,” said Cr Del Porto
Night owls can study away at Hampton Library with secure extended hours access to members. Library members will have access to Hampton Library between 6am – 10pm seven days per week for the initial trial.
No more trekking to other libraries to return or collect reserved books for Brighton East residents because we are putting in a state-of-the-art, self-service, contactless locker in Hurlingham Park pavilion.
Brighton, Hampton and Beaumaris libraries are getting smart bins just like Sandringham library to ensure your favorite books are back on the shelves quickly and your returns are processed immediately, allowing you to borrow more straightaway.
Beaumaris library is getting a mini makeover with a brand-new borrowing desk and chute, new round carpet in the Lounge zone, power and data points in the Flexible zone and new power services to the Study zone desks.
Renovations are set to begin at Hampton on 30 March 2022 and the branch will be closed until late June. Beaumaris will close completely between on 3 April but will re-open for Library Express from 4 April to early May. The Library Express will be open Monday – Friday from 10am – 6pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm on Saturdays in the foyer of the library. It will offer the opportunity to browse Hot Reads and borrow children’s book bundles as well as provide a Click and Collect service for reservations. We will also have school holiday activities in the neighbouring Community Centre hall.
The out of hours return chutes at Beaumaris and Hampton will be unavailable during the building works but items can be returned to Sandringham and Brighton. Library books from any library can also be returned to Beaumaris during the opening hours of the express Library situated in the foyer.
But don’t despair, our libraries at Sandringham and Brighton will still be open for all your reading, browsing and studying needs. We also have an amazing collection of e-books, audio books and other e-resources. Visit our website for opening times and details.
Don’t worry if getting to these branches is a struggle for you, we also offer a free home library service for our residents with mobility issues or special needs that are unable to travel to other branches.
