Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins today opened the new and improved Creswick library.

Touring the site in Creswick today, Ms Hutchins said the much needed upgrade will provide extra space and better library services to meet growing demands from the community.

The  library  refurbishment  includes extra floor space to allow for more seating areas, better access to free WiFi, a meeting room and dedicated areas for reading.

The extra space and facilities means the library can stay open longer, from 2.5 days a week to 5.5 days per week.

The redeveloped library includes a children’s area for activities such as baby rhyme time, story time and provides  facilities  for  the Council’s Maternal and Child Health Outreach Program.

The new library has also introduced self-loan technology freeing up staff to offer more programs.

Hepburn Shire Council received $450,000 from the Andrews Labor Government towards the refurbishment and extension of the library, as part of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Fund.

The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program is one of a number of initiatives designed to support libraries and associated learning opportunities.

Others include the record $40 million investment in the Public Libraries Funding Program and the $1.1 million Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund for public libraries.

Victoria is home to 272 permanent library branches and 29 mobile library services.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins

“It’s important for local residents to have access to modern facilities and services that meet community demand. That’s why the Andrews Labor Government is investing in Victorian libraries.”

“Victorians love reading and our libraries are visited more than 30 million times each year, with over 46 million physical items loaned in 2014-15.”