The Diamond Valley Library is set to undergo a major $850,000 upgrade.
Nillumbik Shire Council has received a $500,000 grant from the State Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program for the project. Council will contribute a further $270,000, with the library providing $80,000.
Improvements to the library in Civic Drive, Greensborough, will include:
extending the children’s area
introducing flexible co-working spaces for micro business owners and entrepreneurs
adding a tech area for young people to connect with new technology and to deliver STEAM (science, technology, environment, arts and maths) programs
building a community meeting room with kitchen facilities
refurbishing the quiet study area
improvements to accessibility including an accessible toilet.
The Diamond Valley Library was built in 1984 and extended in 1993. Since then, there has been little significant improvements to the facility.
Mayor Karen Egan said the library was outdated and needed urgent upgrading.
“Our library is a vital, well-loved resource for our community and it needs to be brought up to today’s standards,” Cr Egan said.
“Since the library was built, there have been significant global changes in how libraries are used, the use of technology, and our community’s needs.
“The upgrade will cater for the increase in young families who use the library, with the children’s story times often overcrowded.
“Small business owners, who often work from home, will also benefit from having a quiet space to work, collaborate and hold meetings.”
The Diamond Valley Library, which is part of the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service, is one of only two libraries in the Shire of Nillumbik, and in the past financial year had more than 110,000 visitors.
Our libraries are highly valued in the community with 50 per cent of Nillumbik residents members of the service.
Work on the upgrade is expected to start in the 2020/21 financial year.
