Councils and library corporations across Victoria can now apply for part of $4.5 million in funding from the Andrews Labor Government’s Living Library Infrastructure Program.

Visiting the Bentleigh Library today, Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins urged all councils and regional library corporations to apply for the grants, which can total up to $750 000.

The grants can fund new, renovated or refurbished library buildings, or go towards a mobile library.

The program involves partnerships between the Labor Government and councils and regional library corporations to provide quality library facilities to meet the changing needs of the community.

The Labor Government has also continued funding for the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, with $1.1 million available in 2016-17 for public libraries, regional library corporations and Vision Australia to purchase resources supporting the Premiers’ Reading Challenge.

Since 2005, more than two million young people across Victoria have participated in the Premiers’ Reading Challenge, reading more than 34 million books.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins

“Public libraries are a crucial part of any community, fostering lifelong learning and providing programs for residents of all ages.”

“We’re proud to provide record funding for Victoria’s public libraries and want to see as many as possible apply for grants from this program.”