New mobile library drives digital literacy to Melburnians

The City of Melbourne’s first mobile library ‘Mel-van’ has hit the road, making it even easier for Melburnians to access books and resources, Wi-Fi and digital support.

The colourful van will visit those who may find it difficult to access Council’s six library branches, including school children, the elderly and culturally diverse communities – popping up at neighbourhood houses, community centres, parks, and festivals and events. 
It will be filled with an impressive collection of books, technology, craft supplies and games, handpicked for the communities en route. 
The Mel-van features a publicly accessible Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling library staff to connect community members with online resources including the City of Melbourne’s digital library collection.  
Staff will also provide digital literacy support to get more people online and boost community connectivity through emails, social media and other online platforms. 
The Mel-van is part of Council’s pop-up library series, joining a food-themed library in the Queen Victoria Market precinct, a library for kids at Fed Square, the Express Book Bar for city workers on Little Collins Street, the Lygon Street Biblioteca for enthusiastic writers and the Bourke Street Micro-Lab. 
The initiative is part of the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – a joint partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.  
The Mel-van will have a permanent home in the City of Melbourne and will continue its mission to empower Melburnians with digital literacy, knowledge and resources. 
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