Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell today announced the Victorian Coalition Government has committed funding of $750,000 from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program towards the $3.7 million Bairnsdale Library redevelopment.

“This development, here in Bairnsdale, will be a focal point for people to meet, learn new things and connect as a community in a variety of ways, even globally through some amazing online services.”

“The community has told us they want provision of contemporary facilities and a range of services to meet the needs of Bairnsdale’s people today, and well into the future. That’s why the Coalition Government is supporting this project,” Mrs Powell said.

“All Victorians need access to good quality library facilities and services. It is for this reason that the Coalition Government has allocated $17.2 million over four years for the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.”

“Victorian libraries are at the very heart of our communities. They are much loved and well used. That almost 50 per cent of Victorians belong to a local library is a good measure of how much the community values the broad range of today’s library services,” Mrs Powell said.

State Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said the upgrade of the Bairnsdale library would enable a variety of improvements, including enhanced programs for children, youth and seniors and the creation of an outdoor space to be used for study and meetings.

“The library is a hub for community activity, and with increasing demand it requires a significant upgrade to meet current and increasing needs as there is ongoing pressure on the limited space available in the existing facility. This new library facility will be of great benefit to the wider community and provide a great asset for people of all ages.” Mr Bull said.